Company chosen to repair peeling signs

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

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

6 thoughts on “Company chosen to repair peeling signs

  1. Ashevillejoe

    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.

  2. Lynn

    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.

  3. 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.

  4. paul_randall

    “The TDA claims no local sign-makers made a competitive bid for either the initial project or the repairs.”

    Bullchit.

  5. ivanrich

    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.

  6. Rupert

    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!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.