City Council considering $70K Wall of Fame (UPDATED)

DOWNEY – The Downey City Council tomorrow will consider moving forward with a "Wall of Fame" outside City Hall that could cost up to $70,000. If approved, the memorial would pay tribute to outstanding residents who "contribute to the city's goals and visions." Nominations would be accepted from the community and go through a citizen review committee but the City Council would have final say on who is honored.

Honorees will have their photo displayed on a wall outside City Hall after an installation celebration each June.

"Each person inducted to the Wall of Fame should embody qualities that are important to the members of the community and contribute to the City's goals and vision," public works director Mohammad Mostahkami wrote in a staff report.

The cost to design and build the wall, relocate a roof drain, install wall lighting and reconfigure existing hardscaping and landscaping is estimated at $50,000 to $70,000. City staff is asking the council to appropriate $70,000 from the Art in Public Places fund to finance the project.

If the project is approved, the Wall of Fame could be finished and installed by Oct. 30, according to the staff report.

UPDATE: The Wall of Fame is temporarily on hold after council members balked at the price. A council subcommittee will investigate ways the wall can be built at a lower cost.