Friday, February 04, 2000
Signs get city's attention
Crescent Springs may add restrictions, raise fees
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CRESCENT SPRINGS — Spurred by the proliferation of large pole signs near Interstate 75, Crescent Springs Council members say they're looking for ways to cut the clutter.
“I've been opposed to the tall pole signs all along,” said Crescent Springs Councilman Nick Berry, a five-year resident who says he's lived in parts of the country that prohibit the taller pole signs. “They just make everything look trashy.”
Once known for its dairy farms, Buttermilk Pike today is filled with gas stations, fast-food restaurants, and shopping centers — most of which compete for customers' attention with large, illuminated pole signs.
After years of watching ever larger signs fill Crescent Springs' commercial area, city officials now say enough is enough.
On Feb. 14, Crescent Springs Council will discuss whether to change the city's business sign laws to eliminate new, tall pole signs and fur ther restrict temporary signs and banners.
If the city opts to change its sign laws, the issue first must go before county planners, then to Crescent Springs Council for final action, said Councilman Tom Vergamini.
Elsewhere in Northern Kentucky, Elsmere and Erlanger are studying ways to reduce clutter from signs and overhead wires on Dixie Highway, their cities' main commercial thoroughfare.
“We can't get rid of the (tall pole) signs that are already there,” said Councilman Rick Wessels. “But we can plan for the future and keep more from coming in.”
Currently, Crescent Springs' pole signs can be no taller than 30 feet, the same as neighboring Fort Mitchell, said Larisa Keith, a planner with the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission.
Both cities have similar regulations when it comes to temporary signs, Ms. Keith said. Portable, or temporary signs, are permitted for activities such as charitable or religious events, and yard sales, as well as to sell or let real estate.
Temporary signs can be put up no more than 14 consecutive days before an event, and they must be removed within two days of the event.
Mr. Wessels said city officials are discussing ways to step up enforcement of existing sign regulations, and do away with the illegal temporary signs plastered on utility poles throughout the city.
To better enforce sign laws, Crescent Springs officials have discussed the possibility of raising sign fees to hire more help for Detective Howard Russell, who works part time as the city's zoning administrator.
While existing business signs, such as Jiffy Lube's tall pole sign off Terry Lane would be grandfathered in, the signs can be useful, Jiffy Lube's manager said.
“I think the signs are valuable for drawing customers in,” said Manager Tim Ward. “We get a lot of people who tell us they came in off the interstate because they saw our sign.”
Freedom Center funds iffy
Democracy flowers best in sunlight
Bauer will quit race today
A year later, still hope for Erica
Most missing children are runaway teens
Sidney prepares welcome for quints
Lab retriever top dog
Love gets life for murder
Aquarium animals get top-notch medical care
Butler officials reopen 4 murder cases
Miss America to wed Lt. Governor
Saturday last time for magnet school sign-up
Woman indicted in jewelry robbery
N.Ky. legislator backs high-tech jobs plan
N.Ky. puffs itself up for state bigwigs
Should you bribe your kids to do homework?
A guide to helping your child get it done
Christian music debuts for teens
Couple embraces 'the deaf world' together
3 resign Montgomery council
Brothers convicted of plot to kill 3
Death penalty review sought
Entertainer's un-Hollywood message: Say no to casual sex
Fryer fire guts Krispy Kreme
Schools urged to back TV tax reform
Signs get city's attention
Teacher back after inquiry
TRISTATE DIGEST
Uranium layoffs planned
