Pedestrians and bike riders may be singing a protest song when they encounter these big, new signs on Park Avenue. They hang over the sidewalk and make it hard to see what's ahead.
Innovations like this may not be covered by any sign laws on the books. They seem to be more suited for highways than downtown streets. 
This one is smaller, but not very attractive, plus it appears to be bound to a street tree. What is the point of requiring streetscape design approvals and then allowing stuff like this? City Hall is very short-staffed lately, so maybe no one has yet seen these new signs. Actually, this issue came up last year regarding various kinds of illuminated window signs that are not permitted, but there is no one with the time to investigate, cite owners and see the process through to removal of the offending signs. Click here to see Plaintalker's post on the topic.
I guess we are in for more of the same regarding this new category of signage.
--Bernice
It is not that people don't have time, they do not either know, or are not very motivated.
ReplyDeleteSigns have been an issue in this city for over 6 years - at which time, departments were fully funded, but again, people in the inspections dept, or whatever department, had no motiviation to clean up Plainfield.
If those were uneven sidewalks in front of residential homes you bet your sweet bippy there would be a summons and fine issued! The more something is " IN YOUR FACE " in Plainfield it seems the more likely it is to be ignored.
ReplyDeleteThe city excels at looking for termites whilst the roof is caving in.
If I recall in Plainfield responsibility/enforcement for these 'sign violations' lays in the hands of the head of the Planning Division, William Nierstadt.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that Bill does a fine job for us and that he has lost viable personal in his department but ultimately it is his responsibility to get our ordinances enforced.
After he issues warnings/summons on those locations you highlighted please send him down South Ave. He can start at the new 7-11 which has similar signs, (though they maybe allowed to have such signs for a limited time after their grand opening). But other illegal signs have been out on the curbs for years, eg. Car Wash, Sleepy Hollow Realty, Top Soil Supply Depot, etc. The former diner was the biggest abuser of the ordinances.
Come on Bill how many times have you rode your bike past these signs? The City is looking very seedy, enforcing our laws is one easy, inexpensive fix.
Aren't these signs not only offensive but illegal? Some are a hazzard . . . maybe a lawsuit coming if someone gets injured!
ReplyDeleteI think it's Inspections & Code Enforcement that would be responsible--not Planning.
ReplyDeleteSigns and loud music outside of stores has been an issue and will continue to be until the members of the City Council and the mayor spend some time visiting the business areas of this city during business hours. I have stopped shopping down town because of the noise and other dangerous conditions. I guess our representatives and our mayor don't see it, so they don't address it.
ReplyDeleteIf the City of Plainfield marketed itself to people who live here and outside people as a destination to come to and shop then the business owners would not have to put as many signs up. Most business owners are barely keeping their doors open in this economy.
ReplyDeleteThe City should follow other towns successes and try to support their local businesses and try to attract new businesses so it keeps homeowners property taxes lower and the people of Plainfield should be happy that any legitimate business invest in Plainfield.
The City of Plainfield should look to possibly raise money buy selling signage on street lamps. The banner rails exist on many already but no one in Plainfield promotes their business districts like many other towns do.
ReplyDeleteThe business owners could purchase ad space on the decorative banners like they do in many other towns. It is a 'win win" for everyone as long as the City does not charge too much for the advertising it should work.
The size of the City Plainfield and the many small businesses it has is probably a mystery to many of the people who reside in Plainfield.
The Plainfield Chamber of Commerce and the Merchant Associations might be able to unite a stronger union between all the business owners with the use of the UEZ and SID monies that are collected to have a BIGGER then life event in Plainfield to raise positive awareness of the town and bring people here to spend money thus raise monies from the event.
Other towns have HUGE Jazz festivals, Osyterfests, Tournaments, Car shows, Outdoor music fairs etc.
Plainfield has had some small sucessful events in the last 20 years but have not served that whole population of Plainfield.
Maybe a Public Relations Firm and a new Citywide plan to Promote Plainfield would stop business owners from trying to attract customers individually with their street or sidewalk signs. Just a thought.
@12:57pm -This is a WONDERFUL proposal . . . in a town without a Mayor named Sharon Robinson Briggs.
ReplyDelete