When Interstate 40 to Wilmington was completed, our local legislative delegation fought to keep billboards from cluttering the highway. Many of our cities and towns have adopted ordinances to protect trees – and, therefore, the beauty of their communities.
But a pair of matching bills under consideration could usurp those popular efforts and allow for the proliferation of digital billboards, adding yet another distraction for drivers.
Even worse, Senate Bill 183 and its House companion, H309, would give the state Department of Transportation control over vegetation cutting around billboards on state-maintained thoroughfares within city limits, superseding local sign and tree preservation ordinances.
Wilmington has a strong tree preservation ordinance that helps prevent clear-cutting and butchering of foliage. Concerned residents helped promote the regulations, and people tend to raise their voices when they see trees being cut.
The bill also includes language that would permit existing billboards on state and federal roads to be replaced, by right, with
digital billboards that can change advertisements every few seconds.
You’ve seen them.
A few years ago, the Wilmington City Council agreed to allow the eye-catching billboards as part of a deal to remove the Hooters billboard that for so long marked the gateway to Wilmington from the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
Two brightly colored digital billboards tower above businesses on Oleander Drive and South College Road. They’re visible even by traffic far down the road (Is it just us, or do they seem taller and larger than the old-fashioned variety?)
In moderation, billboards can be helpful. Packed closely together, with bright, frequently changing messages, they are eyesores.
In a legislature controlled by a party that backs less government and more local decision-making, this bill should be thrown onto the rubbish pile. Let cities, counties and towns decide, based on the preferences of the people who live there.
Published: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 7:17 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 7:17 p.m.
