Anniston AL Anniston, AL McClellan people and their guests can enjoy improved safety and navigation with the installation of more than 24 wayfinding signs as well as four security cameras of the police, thanks to McClellan Development Authority (MDA). McClellan Development Authority (MDA).
The MDA began the two projects last year, in response to the growing community demand for live feed security as well as an upgrade of the system for wayfinding. The MDA collaborated closely with the Anniston Police Department (APD) and Simmons Sign & Graphics (SSG) located in Gadsden to bring the projects to completion. At the time of writing, August 20, 2023 the wayfinding signs as well as police cameras were already in use.
MDA Executive Director Julie Moss said, “It’s thrilling to see wayfinding signs being put up while we invest more in the community particularly with the high interest shown in McClellan. We’ve made significant progress toward advancing development within the community, and we want to ensure that everyone is welcome and able to appreciate everything the area offers.” She also said, “We are also proud to have joined forces in conjunction with APD for the acquisition of security cameras that will assist in protecting our residents as well as businesses.” .”
It was the Simmons Sign & Graphics crew worked in conjunction along with MDA staff to identify the locations of every sign in the vicinity of McClellan with a color-coded alphanumerical map. The first signs that went up were Baltzell Gate Road, the traffic circle, as well as The Summerall Gate Road/Gen. Gerald Watson Way intersection, which are thought to be the busiest intersection for traffic flow.
The MDA hopes that the wayfinding signs will draw more people to McClellan who were previously worried about being lost, and will also assist in directing people to areas that have high activity like The FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness and McClellan’s Industrial Park, the Medical Mall and obviously, McClellan’s numerous activities. SSG declares that it is the most ambitious project that their company has ever completed.
In October 2022 the MDA approved the purchase of four live-monitoring cameras for police and three years in network card for Anniston Police Department. The cameras are set to be installed strategically close to McClellan will serve as a deterrent to crime and assist APD in securing McClellan citizens, tourists and their property. A few of the cameras are located near the historical headquarters building and Grace Fellowship Church, have already been put in place.
Captain Justin Sanford of APD Special Operations Division said that the cameras will add a feeling of security for the people of the community. “The cameras are able to be easily accessible by officers of the police department in order to respond to any security threats immediately. They also serve as guardians who can deter potential offenders from engaging in crime in those zones,” he added. “We are delighted to work together with McClellan Development Authority for this project. .”
Installing all of wayfinding signs as well as police cameras will be completed at the end of September.
