By Courtney O’Keefe
Ward 5 Online

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

They direct us, inform us, and identify places we are looking for. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and styles, but collectively, they are a significant part of our daily lives. One never really thinks of how important signs are, unless of course, we’re desperately looking for the one we need.

There is a group of residents, business owners and patrons looking for a particular sign here in Somerville. A sign that has been repeatedly replaced after being damaged and finally removed completely to make way for a streetscape improvement project that has left us with increased lighting, wider sidewalks, safer crosswalks, but no sign.

Word reached the Aldermanic Chambers on Thursday January 24 as Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan asked, once again, for the installation of a sign identifying and highlighting Magoun Square that could withstand the abuse that claimed the lives of previous signs.

You wouldn’t think that a simple sign would mean so much to a group of people, but this time is different. After two years of construction, newspaper headlines, Board of Aldermen agenda items and watching businesses come and go, all of us ‘gouners want our sign that tells everyone that they are entering our beloved Magoun Square. You’re here! Please stay! Try the Mac N’ Cheese!

This sign may be a budget line item for the City of Somerville, but it’s so much more for Magoun Square. It states who we are, where we are and, most importantly, that we are here and ready for whatever the future has in store for us. It tells the tale of how far we’ve come and where we are ready to go.

Magoun Square is ready for our sign!