New Braunfels to vote on digital billboards

Web Posted: 09/08/2007 10:03 PM CDT

NEW BRAUNFELS — The City Council will consider a moratorium on digital billboards when it meets Monday.
The state is considering rules that would allow the new high-tech advertising signs, which light up and can change every eight seconds. The Texas Transportation Commission is expected to vote on whether to allow the signs after a public comment period that ends Dec. 6.

The billboards would be allowed only in and around cities, and cities would have to approve each one. No flashing lights or moving images would be allowed.
"I'm concerned about whether they should or shouldn't be allowed," said New Braunfels Councilman Pat Wiggins.
Wiggins said the moratorium may be needed so the city can consider whether to permit the digital billboards or under what conditions, and to put rules in place before it starts receiving applications for them.
He said he doesn't want to see a repeat of what happened a couple of years ago, when brightly colored portable signs started appearing around town and were "grandfathered" by the time the city implemented rules for them.
Lee Vela, president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas, said he believes New Braunfels is the first city in the state to address the issue.
The signs have been criticized by Scenic America, a group that fights the billboard industry. Scenic America contends the digital signs are unsightly, a distraction to drivers and a cause of "light pollution."
The Outdoor Advertising Association countered with two studies of its own, one showing no increase in accidents in the Cleveland area after the signs were installed and the showing drivers do not look at the signs any longer than they look at traditional billboards.
"Any issue we look at, it seems like there's two sides and both sides can pull up a study to support their position," said Councilwoman Gale Pospisil. "It obviously looks like there are some considerations and concerns. It's probably a good idea to talk about it."
The council will meet with its attorney in executive session on the proposed moratorium Monday night and is to take action in the public session after that.

Source: Roger CroteauExpress-News