The Windham Hamlet needs some curb appeal!

Recently there was a little hubbub in the town of Windham regarding Sandwich Board signs, you know those signs that local businesses, churches and other organizations use to promote special events or sales that they have.  Although the sign law does not allow for them, until recently, that provision of the law was not actively enforced, which was in my opinion the right position.  Why take away an organizations right to advertise in their local community as long as the signs did not offend people, block pedestrian of vehicle traffic, were well maintained and taken in at night.  But someone caused a stir and now that provision of the law is being enforced now. I agree that we need to keep our beautiful town clutter free and maintain the country living lifestyle that we all love and attracts visitors year round, but why stop there.

We are a vacation get away destination and our economy greatly depends on tourists and to attract these visitors, or new businesses, or new investment we need to put out best foot forward.  And like any Real Estate person will tell you, curb appeal sells.  While the Hamlet of Windham benefited greatly from the Main Street revitalization, Hensonville has not.  While driving home everyday, I pass the lot of the old Woodhaven, and it is overgrown and unmaintained, then I get to the burned down house that is still standing and again the lot is overgrown and then I get to the old car wash and then Town Hall.  Now, anyone who lives in the Town of Windham, visits the Town of Windham, or wants to do business in the Town of Windham eventually goes to Hensonville and what I have just described is not the image I feel that we want to project.  Is there not a Building Code law or Public Safety law that would require vacant lots to be graded and maintained?  I can think of brush fires or other safety concerns being enough.  Can we find a little money in the budget to give Town Hall a face lift, maybe a new brighter coat of paint, some landscaping.  We need to attract new tourists, investors and residents to our community and to do so we need to give our town a little TLC.

I know that money is tight right now, but maybe if we spend a little now, we can reap the benefits for years to come. 

Jared