To the Editor:

The Carman Road and Lydius Street roundabout in Guilderland has me bewildered. While I understand the desire for civic pride and visibility, I question whether this installation aligns with the town’s original intent — and whether it raises practical and aesthetic issues now that it is in place.

According to documents from the town of Guilderland’s Comprehensive Plan Update Committee, the sign was conceived as a gateway feature. The town’s own draft plan refers to “gateway signage … in a traffic roundabout … to welcome travelers arriving from Schenectady/Rotterdam.”

However, the digital sign next to the static sign seems unnecessary because of its underutilization.

The sign displays a still image of a portion of the American flag despite a real flag being flown directly across from it in the landscaped green space. The choice of imagery seems somewhat superficial and confusing. What added value is served by a static, cropped digital rendering?

Moreover, can the sign be legally programmed to broadcast upcoming town events, public service announcements, or other community information — or was it designed merely as a monument?

On its face, displaying community calendars or municipal messages would seem entirely appropriate for a gateway sign intended to welcome people to Guilderland. I acknowledge that the town code passed in 2022 raises questions about the legality of variable digital signage. However, it appears to make an exception for public-service information.

Rather than simply treat this as a piece of infrastructure, I encourage the town to revisit its use policy, engage residents in how the sign might be used for community messaging, and ensure that its image and function truly reflect the welcoming spirit of Guilderland.

McKenzie Golden

Guilderland