Battle continues in Murfreesbooro

Ads are the only change on billboard

It's been more than a month since an appeal to keep the digital billboard along Old Fort Parkway was rejected, but the only things changing on the sign are its ads.
The Murfreesboro Board of Zoning Appeals denied an appeal June 25 by Lamar Advertising to keep its 378-foot electronic billboard at 1804 Old Fort Parkway near the DoubleTree Hotel and


Lamar's attorney, Larry Leibowitz, has said the company will appeal the BZA's decision in court.
Murfreesboro spokesman Chris Shofner said city officials have been in contact with Lamar's representatives to avoid that possibility.
"We're just trying to let the process run its course because if we can come to some kind of agreement and keep it out of court, that'd be the best," Shofner said.
The Murfreesboro Building and Codes Department revoked the sign's permit in March — shortly after it was erected — for violating the city's moratorium on electronic messaging signs as well as a long-standing law that prohibits such signs for commercial purposes.
Lamar has 60 days to file papers with Rutherford County Chancery Court to stop the city from enforcing a take-down order on the sign.
In a letter to Leibowitz, Murfreesboro Building and Codes Director Betts Nixon asked for proof that the sign is not a danger to the public, questioning the weight of the LED screen and the electrical nature.
"If Lamar cannot or will not satisfy the city as to the sign's safety, the sign must come down," Nixon wrote July 12.
Leibowitz replied July 19 that Lamar's sign was erected in accordance with industry specifications, standards and practices and is safe as constructed.
As of Friday, no suits or injunctions had been filed in the case by either Lamar or the city of Murfreesboro.
Source: The Daily News Journal Turner Hutchens