Provision would override local regulations on trees and open space.
As mayor of Gastonia, I take great pride in my connections and interactions with citizens. The input and feedback provided by citizens guide the policies and procedures implemented by our local government. Residents have a direct say in the future of their community, how it operates and its appearance.
That’s why legislation in the N.C. General Assembly to limit local governments’ authority to protect the appearance of our communities concerns me.
The so-called “Billboard Bill” would override local regulations about trees and green spaces, allowing clear-cutting in order to highlight billboards.
Specifically, Senate Bill 183 would expand the allowable cutting of trees along public roadways in front of billboards and allow clear-cutting in front of existing billboards in our communities.
Trees and greenery could be cleared in a 380-foot zone around billboards outside of cities and a 340-foot zone in cities along interstates and freeways, an increase from the current 250-foot cut zone. These changes would affect 21 billboards in Gastonia alone.
The legislation would also prohibit enforcement of local tree ordinances in front of billboards along interstates and federally-assisted highways. And it would override the local enforcement measure of withholding electrical permits for noncompliant signs.
Taking these decisions away from local governments – and our citizens – sets a dangerous precedent.
Citizens ought to have a clear voice in deciding the way their community looks. In fact, our local ordinances regarding trees and green spaces are implemented following significant public input and comment. Abandoning these initiatives means ignoring the will of our citizens and their vision for our community.
In fact, a poll released last month by the N.C. League of Conservation Voters showed that nearly 80 percent of North Carolinians were opposed to the removal of more trees so billboards could be visible for a greater distance.
The “Billboard Bill” is opposed by neighborhood associations across the state, the N.C. League of Municipalities, the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, the N.C. Metro Mayors Coalition, the N.C. chapter of the American Planning Association, N.C. Sierra Club and Preservation North Carolina. I am working with this coalition to inform legislators about the problems with the legislation and call on them to reject it.
As the level of government closest to citizens, we in city governments have a unique connection with those we serve and a unique responsibility. I want to make sure that your voices continue to be heard as we chart the future for our city and our state.
I hope you will also contact your legislators and let them know that this legislation is the wrong choice for your community. Make sure they know that citizens deserve to make their own decisions about their community appearance. Encourage them to protect the beauty and green spaces of North Carolina.
For the Record offers commentaries from various sources. The views are the writer’s, and not necessarily those of the Observer editorial board.
Posted: Friday, May. 13, 2011
From Gastonia Mayor Jennie Stultz:
