A new town for sign language users planned

A new town for sign language users is being planned near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Laurent Company, spearheaded by Marvin Miller, who is deaf, and his hearing mother-in-law M.E. Barwacz, is working with new urbanist planner and engineer Peter Swift on the project. The developers are talking with landowners adjacent to I-90 interchanges in McCook County to site the town, to be named Laurent after a 19th Century sign language pioneer. Miller believes that the town could attract sign language users from across the US and other countries who are looking for a supportive environment and new opportunities. If just one quarter of one percent of US signers are enticed to moved to Laurent, it would bring 7,500 people to the town, making it the 10th largest in the state. The location by the interstate will offer business opportunities for residents and advantages for travelers who are looking for a more pleasant stopping point than the typical interchange sprawl. The Laurent Company has received a letter of support from county commissioners, has assembled an impressive advisory board consisting of sign language leaders, and is currently seeking financing. Read a concept paper at www.laurentSD.com.