Battle of the Billboard

There are some differing opinions over a billboard on a busy Monroe highway. Monday, a meeting is called to hear both sides of the argument. Electronic billboards have found their way into most major cities, yet the first one to come to Monroe is being greeted with mixed feelings. A local advertising company installed an electronic billboard on Louisville and North 2nd St. in July of 2007. Soon after the city Planning and Zoning Commission received a complaint about the sign. Thats when they realized the law addressing the construction of billboards does not include anything about digital signs that change images every eight seconds. Joanne Poret says, “It wasnt in our ordinance. It didnt say whether it could or couldnt be there, so we had to allow it to stay because nothing in the ordinance said it couldnt be there." We spoke with someone who called it ugly and criticized it as being a giant digital TV. Another complaint is that the sign is dangerous for drivers passing by because its distracting, but others say the same could be said for others in the city. Vic Dees likes the billboard, and he says "Its there to advertise. As youre going along the interstate, it’s the same thing. Youre looking at signs, if thats distracting there they shouldnt put any signs up." Dees says he cant imagine anyone complaining about the sign. In fact hed like to see more of them around the city. “Its just a real pretty sign and it makes everything around it look good." He says its much better than old out dated signs. The commission voted to table the billboard discussion. Theyve decided not to give out billboard permits for the next 90 days while they rewrite the current law, so the battle of the billboards continues. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News)