Rt. 66 mural idea tabled for now

A new mural in Pontiac celebrating the “Mother Road” and a late Pontiac Tourism director will have to wait for now as the matter was tabled by the Pontiac City Council Monday night.

The mural idea from Diaz Sign Art is intended to symbolize the Route 66 centennial with a tribute to Betty Estes, a former tourism director who was known for always rolling out the red carpet for visitors to the city. Some council members want to see a breakdown of costs before approving the mural.

The intended location is the west side of the museum complex in the alley leading back to Centennial Plaza.

“This mural would have a way for people to leave their mark,” explained Liz Vincent, community enrichment director.

Public participation includes stamping a flower on the road with the hope of getting local citizens involved.

“Where are the funds coming from,” asked council member Sarah Hoerner.

“This is a TIF-eligible project,” said City Administrator Jim Woolford.

Joe Diaz of Diaz Sign Art said they are flexible on the budget but do have a deadline for getting things done on time. Diaz feels the mural would be a good fit for the community.

“We have some verbiage we might put on there,” added Vincent.

Diaz reported he has a rough sketch started of the mural and it is always possible for the city to add a companion plaque which would allow for additional text.

Also at this week’s Pontiac City Council meeting, Vincent gave a general update on Route 66, the Red Carpet Corridor Festival and centennial celebration. A Red Carpet brochure will be coming out and the city received a state grant for the entire Red Carpet Corridor event.

Back in 2003, Betty Estes came up with the idea to create a destination marketing initiative.

She would roll out the red carpet for buses, setting the precedent for getting people to town.