Regarding the article “Unity to update comprehensive plan, considers easing billboard restriction” (Jan. 28, TribLIVE): I would like to advise the Unity Township supervisors that easing billboard restrictions would actually be detrimental to business interests.
Billboards are ugly and a major source of blight along our highways. Billboards lower nearby property values and distract drivers with bright light and scrolling motion, creating a traffic safety hazard. Billboards deprive us freedom from constant commercial messaging, and advertise adult services and products to our children. Electronic billboards are a major source of light pollution and are environmentally wasteful.
Contrary to making the township “business-friendly,” billboards are used almost exclusively by national chains, thus undermining local businesses who cannot afford billboard advertising. Billboard companies, although entirely dependent on publicly supported thruways to operate their business, pay almost nothing in local taxes while every other business dependent on those thruways must pay business taxes, vehicle registration fees and gasoline taxes.
Safety hazards, diminished property values, ads for the casino and gentleman’s club, and zero business taxes will be the long-term reward for easing billboard restrictions.
Mike Dawida
Downtown