Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Mayor concerned over excessive signage on the island

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Signs have long been a popular method for businesses to advertise their product or service at a low cost. Many businesses place their signs on private property, where local government has little control over the height, size or type of sign used. But with growing concerns from island residents over an excess of extravagant signs going up across town, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has begun to look into ways to balance out this issue.10 Richard Headrick sign
One of the largest signs, and the one causing much controversy, is a two screen electronic display sign which was recently placed on a property just north of the Sir Barry Bowen Bridge. According to Mayor of San Pedro Town, Daniel Guerrero, he is not too pleased with the amount of signage on the island, but most of the signs are on private property, and little can be done to stop them from going up. “There are laws in regards to putting up signs, but that is mostly for signs being placed on public property. This sign that went up north is on private property, and there is not much we can do about it. If it’s a private property we can’t stop you from doing what you want with it. If they want to put a sign on private property and the owner of the property says go ahead then we can’t interfere. If it was on public property then we have all say whether it will go up or not,” said Guerrero.
Guerrero also explained that he is against signs that go against the island’s charm. “People will always want to put up signs to advertise their business, but I am of the idea that painted signs look much better than those large electronic screens flashing neon lights. I would hate to see the town covered in neon light, so we are concerned. We want signs that will blend with the island,” said Guerrero
He indicated that SPTC is looking into developing new signage regulations specific for the island in regard to putting up signs, even if they are on private property. “We want to create a bylaw to the mother act on the laws on putting up signs. This new regulation would require anyone that wishes to put up a sign to get a special permit from SPTC. The regulation would outline the size and type of sign that can be placed,” explained Guerrero.
For now the SPTC is still in the initial stages of researching and drafting the regulations on signage on the island.

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