6/29/09 @ 6:00pm (Benton City Hall) * Public Hearing - Proposed Sign Ordinance

Comment

Comment by Brad Moore on July 6, 2009 at 10:34pm

David-
The proposed ordinance allows for off-premise advertising on the interstate and other areas around Benton.

There is nothing in the proposed ordinance that resticts off-premise advertising to tourist-related entities.

Did someone tell you differently?

-Brad

Comment by David Hughes on July 6, 2009 at 5:44pm

I was editor of Loudoun Business in Northern Virginia for several years and I saw first-hand how a sign ordinance can affect businesses large and small. Loudoun County - at the time - was the fastest growing areas of the United States and it has very large and bureaucratic government with an employee base to match.

The sign ordinances were put into effect under the umbrella of zoning regulations and are very particular about the size, number and location of signs. It was so strict that if a business was located behind another it was illegal for that business to have a sign directing customers to to their location.

One company sold BBQ, sauce and other related products primarily online and also had a catering business. They wanted to have a small area for walk-in lunch crowd with a few tables and they placed a small lighted sign in their window to let potential customers know. The "sign police" swooped in, gave him a ticket and presented him with a show-cause notice why he should not lose his business license.

He complied and then decided to take his business to a neighboring county with less draconian regulations. Hed took 15 jobs with him, plus the county taxes he paid.

Finally - how do you propose to get the attention of potential tourists passing through Benton on I-30? if you do not allow "off-premise" signs. If you enact a regulation saying only tourist related companies may advertise then that would be against the First Amendment.



Ever see thse temporary displays with thetherd blimps, clowns, "dancing" characters, etc? How about a very large flag - disallowed in Loudoun under the sign ordinance.

I agree that unregulated signs can be a nightmare, but I encourage the aldermen to go slow on this and hold several public meetings as well as meeting with the chamber of commerce and other business leaders before making final decisions.

Comment by Brad Moore on July 6, 2009 at 2:48pm

Also, the Benton Public Access channel does not have "employees".

Comment by Shelli Russell on July 6, 2009 at 2:38pm

William, who do you refer to that you are saying is watching? Please begin a new discussion to reply.

Comment by Brad Moore on July 6, 2009 at 1:26pm

You have the "right" to start your own thread to discuss the Benton City Council. In my opinion, your interest should be focused on the city council in your hometown in Texas.

613

Comment by Don White on July 2, 2009 at 3:00pm

All I have to say is that Brad and his committee has there work cut out from them and I wish them the best in a some what difficult issue.

Comment by Chuck English on July 1, 2009 at 3:43pm

For a minute I thought you said a tri-fold billfold. Thank you Mr. Moore.

Comment by Brad Moore on July 1, 2009 at 2:51pm

If you are a citizen that owns or leases a tri-fold billboard - YES. Otherwise, NO.

Comment by Chuck English on July 1, 2009 at 2:03pm

I'm an idiot when it comes to this kind of stuff, so pretend I'm in the first grade and let me know if this means a tax increase for the citizens.

Comment by Brad Moore on July 1, 2009 at 11:31am

The only intent of the Sign Committee was to:
1. Combine all signage regulation into one document
2. Modernize Benton's regulation to include LED's
3. Create a fee structure that could help fund Code Enforcement
4. Regulate the proliferation of off-premise Billboards

I would consider Hot Springs and Germantown "touristy".

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page