The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority has chosen Geograph Industries, Inc. "a third-generation sign fabricator from Harrison, Ohio" to repair peeling wayfinding signs, according to an announcement this afternoon.
"Geograph was one of three fabricators who met with representatives of the Partnership on Wayfinding and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to discuss their respective responses to a request for proposal issued by BCTDA," the announcement notes. "Each of the three companies presented repair options that were within the remaining $207,000 that was part of the original amount allocated for the project."
The wayfinding signs, part of an ambitious $1.5 million (in hotel tax funds) project, began peeling shortly after their installation this spring. The TDA is currently involved in a legal battle with Reading, Pa.-based L & H Signs for breach of contract.
However, there's a new wrinkle: The announcement notes that the backs of the signs have now begun to peel, requiring additional money (also from remaining project funds and hotel tax dollars) to finish the repairs, which Geograph is expected to complete by the end of October at a total cost of $279,864.
There's been much local outcry not just over the signs, but over the TDA not selecting a local company. The TDA claims no local sign-makers made a competitive bid for either the initial project or the repairs. By state law, the TDA must select the lowest competitive bid for a project.
— David Forbes, senior news reporter
"Geograph was one of three fabricators who met with representatives of the Partnership on Wayfinding and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to discuss their respective responses to a request for proposal issued by BCTDA," the announcement notes. "Each of the three companies presented repair options that were within the remaining $207,000 that was part of the original amount allocated for the project."
The wayfinding signs, part of an ambitious $1.5 million (in hotel tax funds) project, began peeling shortly after their installation this spring. The TDA is currently involved in a legal battle with Reading, Pa.-based L & H Signs for breach of contract.
However, there's a new wrinkle: The announcement notes that the backs of the signs have now begun to peel, requiring additional money (also from remaining project funds and hotel tax dollars) to finish the repairs, which Geograph is expected to complete by the end of October at a total cost of $279,864.
There's been much local outcry not just over the signs, but over the TDA not selecting a local company. The TDA claims no local sign-makers made a competitive bid for either the initial project or the repairs. By state law, the TDA must select the lowest competitive bid for a project.
— David Forbes, senior news reporter
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So why not just put out for bid's project you know can be fulfilled by local buisnesses. On the plus side, this serves as another good example of just how shallow the economic development provided by tourism is.
By Ashevillejoe
09/07/2010
It is a shame they were not just painted to begin with. Who uses a decal or sticker on metal? It is going to peel or warp with heat. Common sense was not used here.
By Lynn
09/07/2010
Company responsible is:
L & H Signs
425 North 3rd Street
Reading, PA 19601-2812
(610) 898-9600
We're not getting very good results lately from our officials (paid or elected)
Grove Arcade, Overlook Park, Haw Creek Greenway, Asheville employees approving bogus medical items, study after study of the Civic Center and parking garages, 1/2 of a golf course irrigation system, Pack Square overruns...officials ignoring blatant sexual harassmaent in the police department. These "leaders" are clowns.
I know, I know...TDA are not elected officials, but they are a part of the current "system." In cahoots with the Chamber of Commerce.
By D. Dial
09/08/2010
"The TDA claims no local sign-makers made a competitive bid for either the initial project or the repairs."
Bullchit.
By paul_randall
09/08/2010
Then the TDA should be required to make it a GOAL to solicit local businesses to provide the service, only going outside the area when no one local can do the job. They would not be in this legal battle now if they had.... a local business would have never let their work be seen all over town in the condition these are in now. If they had, they would be out of business soon enough.
Dumb move -- and a slap in the face to local business.
By ivanrich
09/08/2010
By selecting the lowest bid the first time around has now cost us an additional $279,864. Lowest bids often result is poor workmanship and/or hefty change orders. Well done!
By Rupert
09/09/2010