Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Digital Billboard Must Go- PennDOT

Wednesday, April 25, 4:29 p.m.




PennDOT says a developer has to take down a giant digital billboard along Interstate 80 in Monroe County. If not, the state will do it.
Click for larger image
This is the billboard along Interstate 80 in Monroe County that PennDOT said must go.
The big electronic sign lights up the night sky at the Bartonsville exit of interstate 80 but PennDOT said that's not the reason why the sign has to come down. The reason is what is advertised on the sign.
PennDOT said government regulations forbid signs near an interstate interchange advertising any businesses that are not at that interchange.
Since the electronic sign at the Bartonsville exit does advertise other businesses, PennDOT said the sign violates the rules and has to come down.
In addition, according to PennDOT, the developer never got a permit to put up the billboard.
The developer that has the billboard, The Crossroads, said there was an old-style billboard in place since 1969 and it was converted into an electronic sign last summer.
PennDOT said it just recently realized the sign was in violation for advertising off-site businesses.
People have mixed reaction about the electronic sign. "I don't really have a problem with it but it is, it does strike people, you know. It puts your attention on the sign as opposed to your driving," said Donna Barnello.
"It's really bright, super bright, too bright. It kind of blinds you," said John Spicer of Stroudsburg.
But some people who are used to the lights of the city don't mind the bright sign.
"I didn't even think about anything about this," one driver said.
PennDOT said The Crossroads has the option to appeal. The developer won't comment on the issue.

Source : The News Station 16 WNEP By Rosa Yum

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