Leave it in Vegas

If you are unhappy with the extremely bright, flashing, digital signs popping up all over Spokane, please tell City Council. The sign companies have spoken in force, and despite their obvious interests, theirs is the message getting through.

Now, the council needs to hear from you.

Since the council refuses to ban digital signs, then set decent intervals, once a day would alleviate the “flash” that occurs when a sign’s message changes. No scrolling, blinking, strobing or animation. Light intensity should be very low. Entertainment venues (Fox, Bing, Opera House, etc.), where marquee lights are traditional, should have a special designation as in Denver.

Nationwide, digital signs are creating huge concerns for traffic safety and their overpowering detrimental impact on visual community character. Many (Seattle, Portland, Bellevue) have banned flashing, blinking signs for decades.

Numerous traffic safety studies, as well as case law, have proven that a city has the right to regulate signage based on safety and aesthetics. With a balanced sign code we can promote businesses’ needs for advertising their location and products while safeguarding the community from excessive and distracting signage.

Send your thoughts to CityCouncilMembers@SpokaneCity.org. Plan on speaking three minutes in City Council Chambers, March 9, at 6 p.m.

Suzanne D. Markham

President, Citizens for a Scenic Spokane

Spokane