Much of Northfield is still under construction, and Forest City has made sure to post signs reminding residents where this construction is located. “We wanted to make sure that residents were aware that Northfield is still a work in progress,” said Forest City spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “Our concern was that people would come out here and just think it was some big mess. Well, that may be true, but it is under construction. What can you expect.”
Residents in the area are confused by the sign. “What is the point of posting an informational sign that simply tells you everything you know?” asks Tom Mason. “I mean, the mall has been here forever, and it is very obvious that giant section is under construction. It’s almost insulting.” Tracy Neilson agrees. “Imagine if you were thinking about moving here and you saw that sign,” comments Nielson. “It almost looks as if it is warning you of hazardous material. Like we have a giant mall, and then a toxic waste site. How do you make that sign and think it would be helpful? Just very odd.”
Ayers agrees that maybe a different color scheme could have been used. “Maybe red was a bad color choice,” says Ayers. I guess we could have used traditional construction colors orange or yellow, but it was what our interns came up with, and we didn’t have a ton of time to proof it. We wanted to get this necessary information to the community immediately.” Soon to be Willow Park East resident Tom Potter feels the sign is almost political. “If it was a military map, it would be designating a demilitarized zone,” says Potter. “What happens if we wander into that area? Are we arrested? Held for questioning?”
Overall, residents feel the signage simply wasn’t necessary. “Wait until things are built out and then post your informational signs,” says Potter. “It serves no purpose now.” Ayers feels that they may put more thought into their next set of informational signs. “We have a history of some not so good signs,” says Ayers. “Somehow, history keeps repeating itself.”
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