Thursday, May 04, 2000
Butler bans signs around courthouse
By David Eck
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — Signs, signs, everywhere a sign. But they won't be on the Butler County Courthouse lawns anymore.
In an effort to protect the courthouse grounds and show respect for the historic building, county commissioners this week banned all signs from courthouse lawns and trees. The ban took effect immediately.
For decades, community groups, churches and organizations have placed signs on the lawns to advertise everything from civic events to fund drives. There was virtually no order or standards for the signs; they just appeared, said Butler County Probate Judge Randy T. Rogers, who heads the Courthouse Restoration Committee.
“The reason behind (the ban) has to do with the image that the restoration committee would like for the historic courthouse to have,” the judge said. '
The committee, made up of about 12 community professionals, is overseeing the long-term restoration of the late 19th-century courthouse and is an advisory board to the commissioners.
In recent years, the county has put more than $2 million into renovating the exterior of the building.
“Some of those signs that we allowed are homemade. They detract from the building,” said County Adminis trator Derek Conklin. “We just want to keep the courthouse looking nice and respect the building.”
The signs could hamper efforts to landscape the lawns and install a watering system, Judge Rogers said. Safety considerations played a role.
Signs also might violate city or county sign ordinances.
The Butler County United Way for decades has put up a sign on the courthouse grounds during its fund-raising campaign each fall. While disappointed to lose that choice location, United Way officials don't think it will hamper their efforts this year.
“I understand the aesthet ic need of wanting to limit signs,” said Matt Mattingly, director of resource development for the Butler County United Way. “I think there are a lot of other opportunities out there for people who are creative in plenty of other areas.”
With most of the courts now based in the new Government Services Center, plans are to renovate the courthouse interior and eventually bring it back to its former appearance, said Judge Rogers, who will keep his court in the old building.
“That (government center) building will never represent the government the way this building does,” he said. “There will never be another building like the Butler County courthouse.
“The historic Butler County courthouse has a special place in this community, and we want to promote an attitude of high regard for this building and these grounds.”
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