City entrances
June 18th, 2008 by 
Alica
How do you feel about the entrances to Brandon? A couple of bloggers brought up the topic on another thread, so let’s talk about it.
As you come into Brandon from the north on Interstate 90, you have a restaurant, hotel, gas station/convenience store, and some other businesses. You also have industry to the north and to the south, then apartments, residential and churches until you get to Holly Boulevard.
As you come into Brandon from the east on Aspen Boulevard, you basically are in the country and then come to Bethany Meadows. Farther on, there is residential, then the golf course and a park before you get to Splitrock Boulevard.
As you come into Brandon from the south on Highway 11, it’s unclear where the city border is. But the first sights you see that indicate you’re in (or near) a town are Oak Ridge Nursery and Huset’s Speedway.
As you come into Brandon from the west on Holly Boulevard, you first encounter The Bluffs, where there is residential and apartments. Farther on, you cross the river and there are storage units and a Casey’s store.
What do you think of these entrances to town? Following the theory that anything, no matter how nice it is, can be improved, how would you upgrade these entrances? A blogger on another thread suggested a brick sign saying “Brandon” with flowers planted around it.
At Christmastime, there is a lighted sign across Holly Boulevard at Sioux Boulevard. Maybe there could be a banner or lights there year ’round.
I’ll be happy after the 2010 census when the population signs can be updated. Right now they say Brandon’s population is 5,693. We know that right now, the population is closer to 8,000.
What are your thoughts?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
June 18th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Why not just take the suggestions to the city council. They will find a way to spend some more tax money. The entrances to our town are just fine. I do not believe we need to spend more money on a brick sign with flowers around it, come on. Do you see Sioux Falls with any of this???? Nope, and the people just keep on coming. The people of Brandon should focus on education and positive things for our children to do as they grow up, that is what this town was built on. The bricks and flowers do not mean a thing….
June 18th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I do think the entrances should be spruced a bit.
1. The one by the interstate looks very nice with the hotels & Tailgators.
2. The area out by Husets and Oakridge Nursery is nice but a sign in the field across the street would be a nice addition.
3. The area coming in from the golf course is a bit shabby. Mainly because it is an undeveloped plot of land. Hard to make this look nice. The tower area across the street is nice looking.
4. The area coming in from SF on Holly is just not nice looking. This is where something could be done. Maybe by the electrical station - some trees planted to hide it?
The chamber has some signs advertising businesses. THey are OK but a bit dated looking. Maybe they could take on this project???
I googled “city welcome signs” and “town welcome signs” under IMAGES and there were a lot of nice ideas. In traveling around SD and other states it always sends a message about the community of they have a nice (classy) welcome sign.
June 18th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
How about a sign that says “Welcome Home” as you drive into town from the west?
June 18th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
That would definately send a “warm & fuzzy” kinda feeling….I like the idea!
June 18th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I just drove down Holly for the first time since it was re-opened. I LOVE the landscaping and bench areas by Tallgrass and also by Maple! WONDERFUL! That kind of look would be great as “welcome” areas at the town’s entrances ! Good job to whoever designed those areas!!!!
June 25th, 2008 at 7:10 am
No matter what direction you come into the city the first thing you see is a Brandon police car. The overzealous force keeps out of towners from enjoying the beauty of our city.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:46 am
#6, maybe you should move away if you don’t like the safe environment that is provided by our police department. The police departments responsibilities include traffic control. If we checked I would bet that you have had a ticket or two in your time, we all have. The streets are kept safe by controlling speed and recklesness. My best friend was killed on a city street when we were younger by a speeding motorcyclist. The police department does an excellent job of patrolling our streets and keeping them safe for our kids and visitors. I believe that you sir or madam need to get a clue….
June 25th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Nope # 7 I’ve never had a ticket in Brandon. I just know alot of people who avoid Brandon because of the police.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
To #8: Would you direct some of those people to me, please? I would like to interview them for a possible story for the Brandon Valley Challenger.
I can be reached at apthiele@argusleader.com, or 331-2376.
Thanks.
June 25th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
How did a blog on city entrance turn into a bashing session of the Police Dept..I think people avoid Brandon because of residents like #6…People read our blogs and think those Brandon people sure like to bitch about the dumbest things..
June 25th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Just drove through Brandon and see they have added a huge boulevard planter in front of Brandon Elementary. It will look so nice once it is planted! Our little city is becoming a prettier place to be! Thanks to the city!
June 26th, 2008 at 4:45 am
I tell you what lets make the police an “on-call” service like the fire department and ambulance. Not to let them do any proactive patrolling and see just how long this pretty city stays pretty, “Onion”.
June 26th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
TO #8, If there are people that stay away from Brandon because of the Police, then let them stay away. I can’t imagine they would have anytype of positive influence on our town. This is just my opinion.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
If I counted right, there are a total of 11 officers in Brandon. I believe there are 8 that work patrol, that leaves 1 officer per 1000 people. They must be doing something right we have a nice safe town here. Good job guys.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:11 am
6 & 8 - You are idiots…please leave town and go live with the rest of your dirtbag friends that stay away because of the police. In 10 years living in Brandon I’ve never been harrassed but did get a ticket that I deserved. 42 on Redwood. So shut up or leave. Adios
June 28th, 2008 at 10:06 am
the only person worried about the police are the ones who drive to fast. there are walkers, joggers, children, so just slow down.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:27 am
I have a kudo to our police dept - I was in need of medical care late at night a few weeks ago when my husband was out of town for the National Guard. My young neighbor stayed with my kids (thank GOD for good neighbors) and apparently the only thing that surprised her was when a police officer stopped by later in the morning to make sure things were going OK. So if people don’t like our small town police - that’s fine. I don’t want us to get too big that service like that isn’t provided. Thank you BPD!