I read it a bit differently, and consequently had the reaction - "wow, the city has abdicated its responsibility for placing decent signage on public ways to a private consortium - is our government really that inept?"
I got that impression from the quote offered by the person in city government, who, while apparently not pleased with the location, seemed to be well aware that this was happening in multiple locations.
I could see the city outsourcing fabrication and installation to an outside vendor (it is almost certainly cheaper than having city employees do it), but not exercising oversight over placement? That's probably going a bit too far.
There are usually very detailed plans regarding things like signs, and the private contractor and city engineers both read over and approve these plans. The city engineers are supposed to be watching any public works project to make sure the work is being done to code and being done the right way. Often times there are these newer federal regulations which these companies abide by (sign height/width, curb length, HP ramp slope, curb cuts, sidewalk cement mix percentages/colors.
That being said, the city engineer should always be in the know about any sign that is put up, expecially new ones going in the ground. Someone didn't get the message somewhere.
Sarah Hamilton, vice president of area planning and development for MASCO, sent this:
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve transportation and access around the area, a MASCO contractor recently installed signs orienting drivers to Route 9. The signage was part of a plan approved by the city. Unfortunately, the contractor made a mistake in installing the signs in awkward location; as soon as MASCO was informed of the situation, we had the issue corrected. We apologize for any inconvenience that was caused to pedestrians. We are completing our inspections of other signage this week to make sure that all are properly positioned.
up
Voting closed 0
Support Universal Hub
Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) contribution.
Comments
Wow, quite brazen
So contractors and private consortia figure they can just put signs up anywhere they'd like?
Seems like the consortium had the City's blessing - to a point.
I read it a bit differently, and consequently had the reaction - "wow, the city has abdicated its responsibility for placing decent signage on public ways to a private consortium - is our government really that inept?"
I got that impression from the quote offered by the person in city government, who, while apparently not pleased with the location, seemed to be well aware that this was happening in multiple locations.
I could see the city outsourcing fabrication and installation to an outside vendor (it is almost certainly cheaper than having city employees do it), but not exercising oversight over placement? That's probably going a bit too far.
free market
always does things better, no?
This isn't a case of the free
This isn't a case of the free market going awry. This is a case of a dozen competing regulations usurping common sense.
plans
There are usually very detailed plans regarding things like signs, and the private contractor and city engineers both read over and approve these plans. The city engineers are supposed to be watching any public works project to make sure the work is being done to code and being done the right way. Often times there are these newer federal regulations which these companies abide by (sign height/width, curb length, HP ramp slope, curb cuts, sidewalk cement mix percentages/colors.
That being said, the city engineer should always be in the know about any sign that is put up, expecially new ones going in the ground. Someone didn't get the message somewhere.
Boston employs engineers?
Boston employs engineers? You'd never know it from the stuff the city installs.
Thanks for a laff
LOLWUT? Next you're going to tell me that city police officers are supposed to watch motorists to make sure they are obeying traffic laws.
Statement from MASCO
Sarah Hamilton, vice president of area planning and development for MASCO, sent this: