New Canaan’s sign is brighter than most
In the latest installment of richmond.com’s Why Richmond Why?, reader Sara says “that church on Forest Hill, across from O’Toole’s recently changed their sign to fancy, bright electric sign. [...] did they have to get approval for that? Can we make them take it down?” … Two city officials respond that the church “has complied with all zoning laws”.
I’m no fan of the sign either, but I’m also no fan of telling people what they can and can’t do with their property. Live and let live people.
I looked up the signage laws when they put that thing up, because it’s obnoxious. It’s visible from the railroad overpass on Forest Hill during the daytime. The sign cycles every nine seconds or so, which is why they were able to put it up.
The best suggestion I have, given the probability of more of these signs appearing, is to lobby for a change in the city code to increase the minimum cycle length.
When I see the sign from the railroad overpass, I can’t help but wish the church was a movie theater again. For some reason, the sign wouldn’t seem so obnoxious then.
The sign is terrible and needs to come down. The fact that it passes the sign laws is ridiculous. I hope it blows up.
If the sign is a problem to more than one or two people, did anyone think to go and talk to the church? They have been good neighbors in the past.
I agree that the sign is obnoxious, BUT, I refuse to impose my taste on a Church, which is, in my opinion, doing more good for that area than I am by living nearby.
Now, if more signs like it pop up, then perhaps we should address the issue.
I’m not a big fan of the flashy sign myself but I’m not going to impose my personal taste on a good neighbor. I do recommend, if it really bothers you, working to change the zoning/signage rules.