Gotta feel for this guy. Billboard structures are a blight that affects ALL of us. With large cylindrical steel or rotting wood supports, these ugly structures are designed to intercept our line of site without regard to its place in the neighborhood fabric. Unlike buildings (which serve a fundamental need for shelter and receive scrutiny throughout the design phase) billboards structures like this can literally pop-up overnight. The more invasive the structure, the more eyeballs it’s supposed to catch.
Operators like Lamar, Reagan, Clear Channel, et al, pretty well have a protected business that, ironically, was created out of the laws designed to curb signage. It’s my understanding that no new billboards may be erected in Austin. However, billboards may be moved around. Take one down in order to put one up. If it’s a commercially zoned property, then there are few restrictions.
It’s unfortunate that this particular billboard structure, so completely in your face and out of context, was installed next to Bridges On The Park – an outstanding condo development that is contextual to the area, utilized good materials, is not too large, is pedestrian friendly, and has welcoming retail on the ground floor. Still, be on watch for the Statesman’s John Kelso grumpy hate brigade: “bourgeois condo owners get what’s coming to’em”
Sao Paulo decided to take ALL billboards down!
Where is Scenic Austin on this issue?
If you want to familiarize yourself with Austin’s sign ordinace, you can find it here.
-Jude
According to CM Mike Martinez’s Facebook page, the billboard is gone and the city didn’t have to pay for its removal. Cool!
Statesman is saying that city council has agreed to prohibit the relocation of billboards to within 500 feet of residential uses, even in commercial areas.
also, here is an updated link the Austin sign ordinance.
Jeremy, you’re correct that this was on the council agenda last Thursday. I wasn’t in attendance, but I don’t believe the new law passed. I haven’t checked with anyone at Bridges, but it’s something I’ll ask about – I agree it would be interesting to know if there is a new plan to relocate that billboard structure.
You need to contact the folks over at Bridges on the Park. I know that they have been in the news as recent as this week over the billboard issue and are working with the council.
Have you tried that?
One of the reasons I love MoPac is because of its lack of billboards! It’s so nice to be able to just focus on driving without being distracted by tacky signage. I wish we could get rid of them on 35 and 183. It would make driving safer and the city prettier!
I know that Singapore also has a law banning all billboards in an effort to keep their country clean.
Sounds like a great rallying cry to begin getting rid of the rest of these eye sores.
meh. Aren’t y’all the same folks who are trying to remove the capitol-view corridors? Seems kind of hypocritical…
That’s a pretty weak comparison. I think most people understand the distinction between billboard structures and buildings, and their respective benefits to [Austin’s] society.
And, while I didn’t intend for this to be a discussion on anything other than billboard structures, I am compelled to defend my post. 😉
Get rid of capitol view corridors, or at least consider their benefit in modern day Austin. They artificially create scarcity and therefore expensive real estate in the urban core – especially in downtown Austin.