Archive: Opinions

Dear Editor,

I have been reading about the proposed sign law. I believe the 32 square foot sign is reasonable.

Not everyone who is living in a 'residential' area is located on a 30 mph street. Example, if I wished to advertise a home business on my side yard that faces North Triphammer Road, a tiny sign would not be adequate as the road is 55 mph at that location and people whizzing by would not see it. Although my side of the street is zoned residential, the land across the street is zoned commercial and a much larger sign could be erected there when the time comes without any problem whatsoever.

This issue, among others, have not been considered by those who have nothing else to do but torture legitimate business people. People should have a right to try to earn a living, especially at a time when the economy is finally starting to recover after the worst recession in 80 years.

With respect to the man who owns the sign shop, what could people be thinking? They don't want to grandfather his sign into the new law? The man is a pillar of the community. He has been in business for decades. His property is immaculate. He is just trying to earn a living. Why not leave him alone to do what he has been doing all of his life? How would you like it if someone jeopardized your ability to earn a living?  He erected the sign at a time when there was NO SIGN LAW AT ALL. Now there are people who want him to take it down? Perhaps those who are objecting to grandfathering his sign into the new law would be willing to pay added taxes to cover his public assistance costs when he can no longer earn a living? Really, people, get a grip on your priorities.

Elizabeth Hegarty
Lansing
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