12/3/2008
Council Considers Electronic Billboards/Councilman Weiner: Electronic Billboards- visual clutter like a Las Vegas strip with flashing lights

NCC Council reviews electronic billboard proposal

Councilman Bob Weiner expressed concern about visual clutter, stating he did not want to see parts of Delaware looking like a Las Vegas strip with flashing lights.

By Joe Backer
Community News
Posted Dec 03, 2008 @ 07:30 AM

Wilmington, Del. —
NCC County Council took a closer look at regulations for electronic billboards on Delaware's interstate highways at a recent council Land Use Committee meeting.

County Councilman Tim Sheldon (D-Pike Creek) sponsored the original legislation to allow digital billboards on I-95, I-295, I-495 and on Route 13 near the Hare’s Corner intersection at Route 273.

Restrictions have been added to the proposal, which was introduced in July. The locations and numbers of the digital billboards remain in question. Right now three would be allowed on I-95 south of Wilmington, three more on the interstate north of Route 896 and one each on I-495 and Route 13. The signs are reported to cast between $750,000 and $1 million. Sheldon said the new signs could be use to replace old paper billboards.

Sheldon presented evidence from the states of Virginia and South Carolina showing no correlation between the addition of electronic billboards and accidents on those highways.

Councilman Bob Weiner expressed concern about visual clutter, stating he did not want to see parts of Delaware looking like a Las Vegas strip with flashing lights. Councilman Jea Street also said he felt the signs could become a distraction, while Councilman Penrose Hollins questioned the concentration of signs.

There was no public comment on the issue, which may be discussed by the full council next week.

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