Philadelphia Lawmakers Back Plan To Allow Large, Electronic Signs Along Market St.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia City Council committee has given thumbs-up to a measure, despite concerns of some area residents, that would allow for large-scale electronic signage on Market Street East, in center city.
Councilman Frank DiCicco was pushing a bill that would allow for electronic billboards and other bright signage to liven up what he considers a dead zone on Market Street, east of City Hall.
Paul Levy of the Center City District was on board. He testified that the potential of Market East is being missed.
"It's a hole in the middle of the donut. It's a gap, and it needs some form of support so that development can go forward," he said.
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But the anti-blight group known as "Scrub" claimed the signage would ruin Market East.
"This bill is nothing more than putting lipstick on a pig. We are not pigs, and we are not in need of lipstick," said Jovida Hill, former chairperson of Scrub.
Despite the concerns, the bill was okayed in committee and will be up for a final vote next week.
Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio 1060
