For three or four years there has been an ongoing concern
about the use of banners and temporary signs in Breezy Point. The language in the code was subject to a
number of interpretations. The issues of
location were questioned. Some
advertising vehicles were not defined and vendors were looking for ways to gain
attention for their businesses.
Through this process of clarification a number of approaches
were tried to define what is acceptable and what wasn’t. The location issue assumed there was a
building in which banners could be displayed while “freestanding” banners were
not defined. The use of right-of-ways
came into question. A black and white definition of various
advertising units is tenuous but an attempt was made to gain consensus.
The Planning Commission asked some of the business community
to meet with them. They wanted a better
understanding about what concerns the businesses had. The commissioners also wanted to explain the
problems they had with the existing code language. The meeting resulted in a consensus that was
acceptable to those involved and was forwarded to the city council. The City Council raised several concerns and
asked that the commission revisit the issue.
The commission asked for additional council member insight as to what
was wanted or needed.
A second meeting was called that included two Council Members,
two Planning Commissioners and the business community members previously
consulted. Concerns were shared and
clarifications were made. The Planning
Commission reviewed and recommended changes bringing it to the city council for
approval. The changes were approved allowing
for new rules to live by. The bottom
line is we gained a consensus on what is acceptable and we’re hopeful that the
consensus can continue with full understanding and compliance.
