So, before, the intersections looked like this via Google Maps with Street View...
[Whistling...not commenting]
Now, the city has placed the street names in a much more prominent position over the Avenues, as these photos by EV Grieve regular peter radley show...
Not sure how much difference they make to pedestrians ... but, if you're driving, you'll likely have an easier time finding, say, McSorley's ... And are these part of that federal mandate for all street signs to use a lowercase font called Clearview? I'm just not a font person.
I often find intersections where it seems impossible to find a street sign. Or, the street signs are pointed in the wrong direction. The best you can ever expect is for them to be located on one corner hidden by some scaffolding.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't anyone use GPS anymore?
ReplyDeleteI actually quite like the typeface used for the overhanging signs (which I think is used throughout the country). At least it has a bit of personality (check out the 2, 5 and S). It's those ever-multiplying new lamppost signs that really get riled up...
ReplyDelete@ James
ReplyDeleteAh, yes! I revisited that previous sign post... that was a good one!
If i recall correctly, these were originally placed around the west side of midtown in 2004 in anticipation for the Republican National Convention. There was a fair amount of controversy and so the city began installing them all over town. I remember one particularly windy morning at 23rd and Sixth where an improperly installed sign had fallen onto a woman's head, seriously injuring her.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't mind them too much, I suppose. Even if they do make us look more like a city in California than I'd like. Just don't get me started on those new mixed-case street signs going up all over the city. Blech.
They changed the font to make it easier for tourists to read the signs. I kid you not.
ReplyDeleteNow if you'll excuse me I have to retype the White Pages for captcha.
@LIBERATION: Say, whaaaaa?!
ReplyDeleteI never met a tourist who couldn't read "5 AV". This must have been the same department that got rid of the WALK/DON'T WALK signs. I don't care where you're from — if you can't figure out those two words you don't deserve to travel.
Is "whistling, not commenting" about the oh-so-subtly circled bicyclist going the wrong way on a one way street? If so, what's the prize?
ReplyDelete@ anon 12:14
ReplyDeleteYes! I thought a closeup and thick circle would be subtle enough!
The prize can be the contents of that 6 Points semi parked on First!
These don't appear to be the new Federally mandated font - looks like a squashed version of Interstate.
ReplyDeleteI think the resigning of the city's existing street signs has ceased.
@James Campbell Taylor It's true, the caps slowed them down. In addition the new font will allegedly make the roads safer.
ReplyDeleteThey're also considering changing the cabs to make it easier for the tourists to differentiate between on/off duty cabs.
What can we expect next? Curbside puking stations for transplants who can't hold their liquor?
@EVGrieve Hooray! I win! Six Points is a fine brew. *urp*
ReplyDeleteUnnecessary and far too big. Also, this once again prioritizes drivers over pedestrians.
ReplyDelete- Vern