Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Springdale Alderman Jesse Core wants the city to adopt an effective sign ordinance so that West Sunset doesn’t look as awful as the commercial quagmire of West Sixth Street in Fayetteville, asking the Ordinance Committee, “Does one business need 11 signs?”

To update the city’s weak sign ordinance, Core presented a 39-page draft of regulations that defined a sign as “Any device, fixture, placard or structure, that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity or to communicate information of any kind to the public.”

Alderman Mike Overton said he wanted "some parameters" and to "promote a better business environment," so the ordinance should be implemented piecemeal instead of overwhelming businesses with a bunch of regulations. He easily prevailed. Instead of looking at meaningful regulations for all signs, the committee members instead agreed to meet again in two weeks to discuss only temporary signs and banners.

“I’m a little disappointed," Core said with resignation, "I wanted to see this thing get through.”

Blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind. Keeping business happy, everything is fine.