A quick meeting of the Bridgeport Development Authority Monday provided an update that has drawn plenty of inquiries in recent weeks. And that is work taking place near the entrance of Charles Pointe Crossing, which will be the future home to Menards and multiple other commercial ventures.

 

During her report to the Authority, Community Development Director Andrea Kerr talked about a new sign going up on the property. The sign in question are not the two smaller signs previously placed up near the entrance.

 

Rather, this has been part of a very visible construction project in the past few weeks on top of the hill near the entrance. It is the permanent sign that will display the Menards logo and perhaps the names of other businesses arriving at the massive development.

 

“There have been a lot of questions and comments about it and it is Menards starting to construct their new sign,” said Kerr. “It’s a huge sign.”

 

Kerr said 40 yards of concrete were poured for the base and rebar boxes brought in for that were equally sizable. Since the pouring of the concrete two massive poles have been erected that will help hold a sign that is 44 and one-half feet high.

 

The sign comes at no small cost. Kerr said it is installed by J.D. Signs out of Fairmont for $211,000

 

Once done, the new sign will be 44 and one-half feet high and the sign itself will be 700 square feet. A permit pulled for the sign, which is being installed by J.D. Signs out of Fairmont, is for $211,000 and that the sign “was taken out in Menards name.”

 

Kerr said the city has not heard directly from Menards about a timeline, but that this is a positive step in the process of what will be a massive boost to the city and region’s economy if all the planning comes to fruition.

 

“We hope they start sometime soon,” said Kerr.

 

Kerr added that Menards typically start their construction in March and that this is a sign that things are looking good for a 2023 start.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows welding taking place on the large poles that have been put in place, while the temporary sign that just recently went in place is shown in the second photo. Bottom photo shows Development Authority members listening to one of several talking points Monday.