Jude Galligan

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