The matter of digital signs outside of schools and churches in Kansas City, Mo., remains stalled in a Kansas City council committee after a second week of public hearings.
A lot of schools and churches like the idea of digital signs – capable of multiple messages that are easy to change without braving frigid or blistering weather. Some also say they are more effective at communicating with parents and parishioners than the old style letter-board signs.
But some neighborhood groups are adamant: they do not want to open the door to signs that can have flashing or animated messages which they say are too bright.
Long-time anti-billboard activist Carol Winterowd was among those who spoke against the signs on Wednesday.
“I believe these digital signs are a trespass into the view space of residential areas, and I hope they are not allowed,” Winterrowd told the council committee.
Committee chair Ed Ford still hopes for a compromise.
He will introduce a revised ordinance that would place strict controls on things like brightness, location and esthetic considerations and gives the city council, not the zoning board, the final say on the signs.
That likely means hearings will start again in two weeks.