Urbanna to lose unique, vintage street name signs

Recently, it was learned that Middlesex County will pay to replace all of Urbanna’s street signs under the E-911 program, if Urbanna adopts an ordinance. The signs would need to meet E-911 criteria and be similar to the green reflective street signs that are used just about everywhere.

Former town councilor Boyd Wiley addressed the town council during the public hearing before council considered the ordinance. “The signs that we have in Urbanna are unique,” said Wiley. Erecting larger green reflective signs “kind of makes us like everybody else,” Wiley added. “If you want to think deeper and consider keeping the old signs, I think that’s important too.”

Council didn’t think long and unanimously approved the ordinance, which will save Urbanna at least $20,000.

Months ago Urbanna received a $19,000 bid just for the street signs and poles, not including labor, said Mayor Bill Goldsmith.

Certain sign colors and criteria must be used to meet E-911 compliance and VDOT standards, Goldsmith said, “That’s what we’re getting… we will be able to have the county replace the signs for us. So yes, we will look like everyone else, but that will also make us compatible with 911 requirements.”