Atlanta board recommends against sign changes

By Eric Stirgus

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A proposal some worried would create widespread Atlanta billboard blight was rejected Thursdaynightby the city's ard zoning review board.

The five-member board voted unanimously to accept a city council recommendation to deny an amendment to the city's sign ordinance. The amendment would have allowed  replacement of regular billboards with digital billboards that show multiple images.

Critics warned that digital billboards would pop up all over Atlanta, leading to tree removal in order to accommodate them. 

"We feel strongly that the amendment would result in blight in the city," said Craig Pendergrast, a Keep Atlanta Beautiful representative.

About 20 residents voiced opposition to the amendment. No one supported the proposal.

The amendment was introduced in an ordinance late last year by the city council's zoning committee.  The ordinancewas introduced largely to clarify city guidelines.

Several civic groups wrote letters to the city in recent weeks urging the city to reject the amendment. tThe  Buckhead Community Improvement District, the Midtown Alliance, Scenic Georgia and Central Atlanta Progress were among the dissenters.

The recommendation was sent to the zoning committee and goes to council vote Feb. 15.