Overhaul Of Philadelphia's Billboard Regulations Leaves Many Unhappy
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Billboard companies and activists opposed to billboards were all unhappy Tuesday after a city council committee approved a top-to-bottom overhaul of Philadelphia's billboard regulations, which includes a ban on new billboards.
Spearheading the changes is Sixth District Councilman Bobby Henon, who said the new regulations are the result of a year of negotiations with both sides -- the billboard companies and those opposed to outdoor advertising. The result, he said, are important changes that fully satisfy no one.
"I think if we walk out of here with all sides not happy," Henon said, "I think we've done our job."
The changes include:
- A ban on all new billboards
- Existing static billboards could be converted to digital in certain parts of the city-- so long as the owner removes two other static billboards
- A cap on how bright digital billboards could be
- Higher licensing fees
- Existing non-conforming billboards would be legalized
Attorney Stephanie Kosta represented the billboard industry at the hearing.
"We are cognizant that many painful compromises may be made to satisfy, or at least make equally unhappy, all interested parties for the good of the city of Philadelphia," Kosta said.
Kosta said the billboard companies think the higher fees are excessive, and her colleague George Kroculick said the firms particularly object to the ban on new billboards:
"We cannot, do not, will not support the ban on signs," Kroculick said.
Also speaking out were about a dozen residents and activists who would prefer more severe restrictions on billboards. Charles Sweedler, attorney for the anti-blight group "Scenic Philadelphia," predicted the changes could lead to a massive conversion of old billboards to digital.
"Go slowly on this," Sweedler said. "The number of digital conversions you're looking at is massive. Probably unprecedented, certainly in the state of Pennsylvania, possible in the country. Until we have a clear picture of whether its going to come back to bite us, I think this is a very risky step to take."
Despite the unhappiness of both sides, the committee approved the changes. A vote by the full council could come by year's end.
