Should Norcross Replace its Reader Board With a Digital One?

Updated, 10:59 a.m.

For the past few months, the Norcross City Council has been considering upgrading downtown's current announcement board by the railroad tracks next to with a digital display reader.

As noted in the city council agenda and in the July work session, the proposed reader would be more convenient and beneficial. Multiple messages can be posted and rotated, and the content can be changed by a wireless remote, making it easier to create last-minute emergency notices. The screen's brightness can also be altered by the push of a few buttons.

What do you think of a new display reader for city announcements? Tell us in the comments.

"The Design Committee believes this is a 'creative' solution for city message boards that will add to Norcross' image as a leader in innovative solutions," wrote Councilman Charlie Riehm in the agenda proposal.

City members researched the pros and cons of having either an LCD or LED screen. Riehm said they're leaning more toward a black-and-white LED display because of a better resolution, brightness and readability in the sun. The reader would cost $21,873 and include all the programming software. Additionally, a $10,000 donation from an anonymous business has been set to go toward paying for the reader, too.

The price tag is one of the main reasons why Councilman David McLeroy voiced opposition to the new reader, though.

"I just don't think we need to spend $22,000 on taking that board out, honestly," he said in the July policy work session.

Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Hixson mentioned some people may feel a nostalgia for the old board, so McLeroy also pointed out that he would like the citizens' input on it. The council decided to make that motion and bring it to the city council meeting and regular work session Monday.

The monthly regular work session will take place Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room in Norcross City Hall, located at 65 Lawrenceville St. The city council meeting will follow at 7 p.m.

What do you think about upgrading the reader board with a digital LED display? Do you think a new board is too costly or something the city should invest in? Tell us in the comments.

---

Don’t miss any Norcross news. Subscribe to Norcross Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.