The sign ordinance task force is hoping for public comment to help shape a sign ordinance that will create a “best of both worlds” scenario, one where businesses can compete freely but we still have the beautiful city that’s the hope of all who support the sign ordinance. The first meeting, which will be on August 6, is open to the public and the City is saying that they want public comment.
Of course, if they really wanted the public there, perhaps they shouldn’t be holding the damn meeting at 3:00 on a workday.
Assistant City Manager Wes Smith told the Albany Herald “The more comments we can get; the more opinions we have; ultimately the better the ordinance will be for everyone”. I agree with him completely. What’s more, there are a lot of people who would love to provide them with those comments. But let me lay out what’s going to happen.
With meetings at 3:00 PM, should they continue at that time, few from the community will attend. The task force will do whatever they want, and few from the community will even know what’s on the table until it goes before the City Commission. The Commission will pass it, unanimously or not is irrelevant, but it will pass. The new ordinance won’t be all that different from the current one. When criticisms surface, someone from the City will point out that meetings were open to the community and no one attended.
You see, the City seems to be stacking the deck once again. Meetings being held during the normal work hours keep concerned citizens from truly being involved in their system. It also helps keep people from being part of the system as well. The City Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday at 8:30 AM. which keeps citizen involvement to a minimum with that body as well.
Of course, perhaps this is just an oversight. Maybe the City forgot that most of us schmucks have jobs that we have to work. But it’s also just as possible that they didn’t give a damn. Time will tell the tale on that one, and I pray that it’s just an oversight. Unfortunately, it seems the modus operandi for the City government as a whole.
All this, and they haven’t even had a meeting yet.
On top of all that with the day time meetings, today’s Albany Herald lists the people who have been selected to the sign ordinance task force. Noticeable absent was the name of Bo Henry, local businessman who has had problems with the previous sign ordinance. Oh wait…….he IS listed as an alternate. Just what is an “alternate”? Can he make suggestions, make a motion, have a vote? Not likely. So we will probably have the same sign ordinance the city came up with recently. I no longer have any idea of where a used car lot is since they are not allowed to have streamers, etc., on their property. And what about the annoying digital sign that’s 40′ tall on Dawson Road that changes pictures (advertisers) every 6-7 seconds. Yes, it really is just a few seconds. And every time it changes, your eyes automatically stray to the sign. Streamers and banners do not bother me at all. And I don’t think they “trash up” the city. The sign on Dawson Road is annoying and potentially hazardous. But I suppose the sign ordinance approves of it. Maybe we should all take off from work on August 6th in time to attend the 3 p.m. meeting. Isn’t it time all of us had a little input into what is happening in Albany?
BeJay: I’d love it if a huge group would show up at that meeting. Unfortunately, for some, it’s not really an option. And that’s what I think some in the City are hoping for.
Regards to who is participating in this meeting, I have done extensive computer research into the mission of the organization “Keep America Beautiful” and its child “Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful” and I have found no mention of sign ordinances being part of it. These might be the people behind banning streamers and baloons.If I am wrong about this, someone please correct me.
James McCard:
You are exactly right. “Keep Albany Beautiful” is an appointed organization (basically a hobby horse for Judy Bowles) that isn’t responsible to taxpayers.
The woman has absolutely no qualifications for this position, but unhappily will be allowed to to more damage to the local economy with her handpuppet Mike Tilson. Guess which group reappointed her. Thank you, Bob Langstaff.
Does anyone really think the same people will come up with a different ordinance? I told you so.
Her qualifications are: Her uncle used to be Mayor and family owns considerable property in City.
“Her qualifications are: Her uncle used to be Mayor and family owns considerable property in City.”
The difference between earning something and inheriting it is vast.
Not that it matters either way. So far, I don’t see anything she can contribute to an ordinance overhaul that has so blatantly hurt local businesses. Frankly, her previous tenure should have disqualified her from serving this time…of course, I wish I had said that previously. Now, it’s to late to do anything but live with the repercussions and pray the business owners on the task force can prevent some of the stupid stuff from happening again.