ATHOL – The Parking Benefits District Oversight Committee voted Tuesday night to explore a hybrid design for a new Mill Brook Crossing sign after reviewing several proposals for the project.

Director of Planning and Community Development Eric Smith presented two options from Lyman Signs for the entrance to the plaza. Both included an electronic display, a millstone and space for the names of the plaza’s four current tenants, but differed in the placement of the “Mill Brook Crossing” name.

Committee member Mary Holtorf also brought her own, more elaborate sign idea for members to consider, which she said she created using ChatGPT. Her design was more colorful and featured a larger millstone at the base, additional decorative elements and space for up to eight tenant names. It also included an electronic display.

Members expressed support for Holtorf’s concept, but questioned how much more it could cost than the Lyman proposals.

“That is a beautiful sign. I don’t know what the price is on it,” committee member Marc Morgan said.

Smith said $48,500 had already been approved for the sign based on an earlier design, including installation and electrical work. He said the cost could change if the committee moves forward with a different idea.

Committee Chair Gary Deyo pointed to the committee’s roughly $19,000 in annual expenses, along with the cost of the sign.

“We have funds, but we have to be cognizant of what our income is, to not spend over what our income is,” Deyo said.

Smith noted that the committee also has a one-time $70,000 deposit from old parking meter receipts.

“This would be kind of that one-time special purchase,” Smith said.

Holtorf said the sign could eventually generate some of its own revenue. She said businesses would pay to have their names displayed, while advertising could be sold on the electronic screen.

Holtorf said the design could remain flexible, allowing the existing tenants to use larger spaces while leaving room to add others in the future.

Committee member Heather DiNitto suggested combining elements of Holtorf’s concept with the Lyman proposals.

“Maybe you could do a hybrid,” DiNitto said.

“That’s what I was thinking,” Smith said. “I was thinking the hybrid approach.”

The committee ultimately voted to continue exploring a more elaborate, hybrid design rather than approve either of the existing proposals from Lyman Signs.

Smith said he would bring the committee’s ideas back to Lyman Signs for a revised design and updated quote. Members also discussed seeking a quote from another sign company before revisiting the proposal at the next meeting on Oct. 27.