Bridge sign design goes back to the drawing board

CAPE MAY, N.J. - April 6, 2010 "They appear more like they should be in a carnival or a kid's playground or a fair or something. We want to show off the real history we have, not try to duplicate it with silly little structures," remarked Tom Carroll of the preservation commission.

"I don't think it's anything to make a fuss about. They look nice. I think at night time they'll look nice once they have lights on," said Franco Catalioti.

The structures were installed as part of a quarter million dollar beautification project along the entrance to town. But people say they look nothing like the designs they were originally shown.

"I thought it was going to be Victorian looking, something in keeping with the theme of the town. Here we have these plastic boxes sticking up there," said Roger Furlin.

"They did look tacky. The colors on them and the construction of them and the materials they're made with," said Beth Acker.

Not wanting all the architectural angst to detract from the start of the summer tourism season, the mayor says he's forming a committee to come up with a better design.

"To work on a new set of amenities that perhaps may be more appropriate," said Mayor Ed Mahaney.

But say goodbye to what's there now. The structures are being removed shortly while the city comes up with a more historically accurate way to welcome tourists to town.

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