Feel free to move this post if it fits better under another topic.
A point I've seen mentioned is the ways to enter the Bradford area and the face we present to travelers on Rt. 219. The two main entrances to Bradford from Rt. 219 are either the Davis St. or Fosterbrook exits.
Fosterbrook exit:
This is the first Bradford exit encountered by visitors traveling south from NYS and I-86. Walmart and the commercial District of Fosterbrook are obvious destinations. Signage on 219 would be very helpful. At the end of the ramp visitors could be directed to the left toward the Walmart area. Attractive signage at the corner of Bolivar Drive and E. Main could further direct visitors toward the downtown area. This would also increase traffic on E.Main, expecially if it was the route for commercial traffic too. Secondary signage at the off-ramp could point ot Jackson Avenue as a more direct route to downtown, UPB, BRMC, etc., as well as the wat back to 219 South.
Davis Street Exit:
This exit provides more direct access to the downtown area, and is the first exit encountered by visitors heading north. Signage facing both north and south would be desirable. Signage at the end of the ramp should direct visitors toward the downtown area, the Zippo Case Visitor's Center, and the return to 219 North. This might also be a good spot for some sort of visitor Center or tourist information kiosk.
Signage at the corner of Davis and Main Streets could further direct visitors and also point the way to Fosterbrook down E.Main st.
At either of the entrances to Bradford, I think good signage is the most cost-effective way to direct visitors and advertise local attractions/businesses. I like WalkingMan's location for a visitor's center, which would be close to the Emery Towers. It would give visitors another reason to visit the down town. Information kiosks could be placed at the off-ramp entrances. They should be largely self-service to avoid staffing costs and set operating hours. They should offer (paid?) wireless Internet access to aid travelers looking for information.
Any entrance to Bradford should be "beautified". Should we concentrate this effort to make a main entrance to Bradford, or split the effort between multiple entrances? Should we try to direct all traffic to the E.Main St. corridor between Fosterbrook and the downtown, or advertise alternate routes like Jackson Avenue to ease traffic congestion? Are other entrances to Bradford important enough to put resources into?