Quote:
Originally Posted by SCRUB
Here at SCRUB, we've been watching this thread with great interest. Good to see the range of opinions on the issue.
Few details have been emerging from the RFP process. So, we've been talking with our counterparts in other cities about their street furniture experiences. There's a new page on our site with photos, a link to the RFP and info about an important court case in LA that could entirely undermine LA's sign control ordinance. A billboard company sued LA after their street furniture program placed ads in prohibited areas. It's still a question how our city will handle that matter here.
http://www.urbanblight.org/furniture...tfurniture.htm
We'll share new info as we get it. |
I like and support the work done by SCRUB. But here's a thought experiment, an aspect to consider:
Remember a few decades ago when posters designed by locals for local events were plastered on vacant surfaces? They were "real" as opposed to corporate, nitty-gritty as opposed to sleek.
They evoked a pleasure in urban life - vitality.
People would generally honor another's poster unless there were multiples on one bench or plywood wall, or if event date had passed. It stays with me as evidence of civic engagement. Tax-supported street cleaners or a nearby business would clean up sometimes.
I would argue this should be included: the private biz must somehow allow civic voice without much control over those areas allocated to "the people". The RFP should incorporate unrestricted access by the public in some way - if we're going to have "ads" then let's also let the public express ourselves, and use the profit-making companies to support this.