The Colegate Drive Sign Drama Calms Down

MARIETTA, OH — Over the past month, the signs at the property of 1099 Colegate Drive have changed a number of times. For months it said, "Kelly's Pet Cemetery coming soon." For a while, there were signs welcoming the homeless to set up tents on the property. Then after Janelle Patterson of the Marietta Times outlined a number of complaints by dozens of neighbors, the signs were changed to target her. The "Janelle is a cancer" message on the letterboards only lasted a few days.

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Then the trailer that was housing the letterboards was removed, yet the letterboards remained. They were staked into the ground. And today the message read something much tamer. "Lot for sale .62 acer 59 50 0, 525 0480." A number of residents in the community appear relieved that this situation isn't escalating anymore.

One neighbor who didn't want to be identified said these signs were an improvement. "Better than the last signs. Those last signs were unacceptable, but I think he was just poking the bear." She said the signs were a source of amusement for the seniors in the neighborhood. "We like to go see, oh what do they say today?"

Another neighbor who didn't want to be identified said she was glad that the signs now just appear to be advertising the sale of the property. "I'm glad the drama is calming down." She said she wasn't crazy about either side on this matter.

This neighbor wasn't bothered that the property was going to be sold either. She said it would be ideal if the city bought it and made it into a park or playground, but said that was unlikely. As long as it stays residential, she's fine with it. "There were only a few things that could happen with that property. Either nothing, which is what's been happening for years. It gets rezoned and they put a business on it. Or it's sold and stays residential." She said she saw a steady stream of public officials out there yesterday. "So it looks like he's doing it right. That's good."

Another neighbor appeared confused about the signs and wasn't sure whether they were serious or not. She said she was worried about homeless people moving into the neighborhood. She said she had a dog who died recently and wouldn't mind a pet cemetery. "I'd rather they make it a house than a pet cemetery though."

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