While the chamber last week offered a seminar on sprucing upbusiness store fronts, Brookhaven leaders are pursuing a project tospruce up the city’s “store front” on Brookway Boulevard and tobring patrons downtown.

With help from a $220,000 United States Department ofAgriculture Rural Business Enterprise Grant, city and chamberleaders say the project will include new lighting for the downtownarea, new street signs in several places and a sign on theboulevard to welcome people to the city. Other major entrance waysinto the city are expected to be considered for new signage in thefuture.

Welcome signs and other inviting structures are an importantpart of attracting people to a community. The sign and lightproject is another example of local leaders’ efforts to provide awarm welcome to the city.

What would further help local leaders’ efforts is overheadlighting that would illuminate and improve safety for theInterstate 55 and Brookway Boulevard intersection.

Despite some missed opportunities during past administrations,the current leadership has been making every effort to secureintersection lighting. Attempts have so far been unsuccessful, butleaders remain hopeful.

One great aspect of the new sign and light project is that thedowntown area is remembered. The new signage will encouragemotorists to come and enjoy all the downtown area has to offer.

Thriving downtowns, like welcoming entrances, are a vital partof ensuring a community’s economic vitality. Brookhaven’s downtownremains a strong part of the community, and the light and signproject will only improve the city’s health in that area.