Comments on Advance Indiana™: Showdown In Digital Billboard Debate Tomorrow Night

Anon. 9:01, That's implicit in my discussion o...

2015-01-26T09:33:46.430-05:00

Anon. 9:01, That's implicit in my discussion of how these companies will financially benefit from the new rules and aren't required to share revenues like other cities have required digital billboard companies to do. I agree that I could have hit that point harder. The campaign contribution angle can be discussed in a separate blog after we see how the votes shake out.

I think you hit most of the arguments, but maybe c...

2015-01-26T09:01:19.285-05:00

I think you hit most of the arguments, but maybe came up short on mentioning the money angle, which isn't like you.

These puppies will generate about ten times the income, per billboard, above what the static signs make. Doing this in a pre-election period is a real temptation for councilors who know they're going to face expensive campaigns in a gerrymandered city that will have more than few contested primaries. The billboard industry could fund a lot of campaigns.

For unknown reasons there are billboards off of US...

2015-01-26T05:54:43.997-05:00

For unknown reasons there are billboards off of US31 on the far south side of Indianapolis and one in Indianapolis just east of US31 on County Line RD. Both of those at night are so glaring and bright as to cause night-vision impairment.

Of particular concern is the fact there is a hospital nearby and old-folks homes within 5 miles, meaning that those with vision difficulty/impairment are likely to travel this area. Imagine those glaring bright lights all over the city at night.

It will be a traffic safety hazard.

This digital bill board proposal is not in the bes...

2015-01-25T22:32:49.448-05:00

This digital bill board proposal is not in the best interests of Marion County taxpayers.

Therefore, watch most of the Democrat and Republican Councilors vote in favor.