Appearance, local control (News and Observer)
Our roadways and highways are the front doors of our community. But legislation currently before the General Assembly would make those entrances to our community less inviting. The “Billboard Bill” would remove trees and greenery from roadways and increase the prominence of billboards. In addition, it would limit our ability as local governments, cities and citizens to protect the appearance of our communities.
The revised version of the legislation, Senate Bill 183, would dramatically expand the allowable cutting of trees along public roadways. The legislation would also prohibit enforcement of local tree ordinances in front of billboards along interstates and federally assisted highways. In addition, it would override the local enforcement measure of withholding electrical permits for noncompliant signs.
These kinds of local ordinances are implemented following significant public input and comment; discarding them means ignoring our citizens and their desire to preserve our neighborhoods. In fact, many of our cities have worked with the billboard industry to develop commonsense regulations that allow advertising while protecting trees, scenic spaces and vistas. Those cooperative agreements would also be nullified.
This legislation is not right for the Triangle or North Carolina. Our legislators must protect the scenic beauty of our state and enable residents to make their own decisions about their community appearance.
Bill Bell
Mayor, Durham
The writer is chairman of the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition.
