Branson Welcome Sign In Works - BDN

Pride group welcomes sign Branson Community Pride Committee members are considering placing a "Welcome to Branson" sign on the "V" formed by girders underneath the Cliff Drive bridge. But before it can happen, the committee must have permission from the Missouri Department of Transportation. BDN photo by Tonyi Crandell By Tonyi Crandell BDN Staff Writer tcrandell@bransondailynews.com While there is no "Welcome to Branson" sign yet, that may change due to the efforts of residents who formed a Community Pride Committee. Members met Monday to discuss possible locations for the sign and other landscaping efforts. "We have to meet with the right (Missouri Department of Transportation) person to determine what can and can't be done with signage," committee member Chris Myer said. "It will take a while to get this accomplished." The committee discussed the possibility of four locations for a sign, but two locations would require state permission. "We plan to set up a meeting with the right MoDOT official," said Jerry Adams, Community Pride Committee member and public information officer for the city of Branson. "We are considering four possible locations for the sign. The first one is on the south side of Cliff Drive bridge. It would be seen by visitors coming in to Branson from the south, but since this is MoDOT property, we will need permission from them first. "The second location we are considering is the northbound off ramp of U.S. 65 and 76 Country Boulevard. This location would also require permission. "The third location is the giant slope, facing north, behind Home Depot. It is private property and does not require MoDOT approval. "Lastly, we are considering private property on the east side of U.S. 65, just north of the Bee Creek Road interchange. Drivers coming to Branson from the north would see this sign." Adams added that erecting a sign is a "long range plan" and the focus for right now needs to be on beautification efforts of islands near off ramps. "There are a total of four gravel islands we are hoping to improve for next spring," Adams said. "What we hope to do in the next few weeks is remove the gravel and put in top soil so that it will be ready for planting. The committee believes these islands will be enhanced with the addition of flowers." Committee members also discussed improving the landscape and fixing a broken sprinkler system at the U.S. 65 and Bee Creek Road interchange. "The city installed a sprinkler system in that area, but it hasn't been working. We will work to correct that issue and improve the landscaping in that area before spring." Adams is also looking for volunteers to assist with beautification projects. "We are looking for volunteers who would like to help in the future planning and maintaining of the landscaping at 65 and 76," Adams said. No date has been set for the next committee meeting, but Adams said it will be in January. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com