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Tourism Signs In a report approved by the Board of Selectmen in 2001 the Tourism Committee stated that consistency in style and design of sign, and directing traffic into the historic sites in Lexington was a key priority. The Tourism Committee has been working on an overall program to improve signage in four categories: (1) directional; (2) storytelling; (3) site specific; and (4) welcome signs. Lexingtonians are keenly aware of their place in history and the responsibility that comes with that history. The 20/20 report puts an emphasis on honoring our place in history and providing ways to showcase that history to the world. The Selectmen approved initial tax levy funding for this program in 2002. Historic resources are more likely to be damaged or demolished as a result of public ignorance of their historic significance. An integrated program of signage that heightens the awareness of both owners and the public about a town's historic assets is a key element in the long-term protection and preservation of those assets. This project will also help the various entities that support tourism such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, the National Park Service and the National Heritage Museum. This is truly a public/private partnership with funding coming from multiple sources. In 2002 Town Meeting approved $10,000 for signage. Those funds have paid for the design and there is some available for the fabrication. Christopher Bing is contributing the artwork for the storytelling sign. The Historical Society will pay the full cost of new site specific signs consistent with the design and coloring of the directional signs. The two display signs in Depot Square and in front of the Visitor’s Center were done in this style and paid for privately. The balance is being requested from Community Preservation Funds totaling $18,360, allocated as follows: Directional Signs: $11,860 These signs will direct drivers from the highways to the historic sites and Lexington Center. The total estimate for the directional signs is $15,060. There is currently $3,200 remaining from the original appropriation, leaving a net cost of $11,680 being requested from CPA funds. Storytelling Sign on the Battle Green: $ 6,500 This sign is an interpretive sign that, pending HDC approval will be placed on the Battle Green to interpret the events that took place and the historic structure that is no longer on the Battle Green. The Community Preservation Committee recommends funding this request.