Down with the Billboards Three months ago, the Blueville City Council passed an ordinance allowing companies to place billboards in residential areas across the city, including my neighborhood. Within two weeks, my neighborhood was bombarded with billboards. These billboards advertised everything from services to personal care products to businesses inappropriate for young children. The billboards appeared on roads surrounding the neighborhood and in residential parks. They are unsightly and hazardous to the residents in my neighborhood and the residents of Blueville.

Many of the residents find these billboards detract from the appeal and beauty of Blueville’s residential neighborhoods. The giant billboards obscure the view of the natural beauty that attracts visitors to Blueville. They hide our trees and damage flower fields near our parks. Many photographers and tourists visit Blueville for the beautiful scenery. However, the cosmetic and fitness services plastered on billboards disrupt the view. A decline in tourism will hurt many local businesses.

Not only are these billboards unappealing, but they are also hazardous to residents. Because the billboards are new to our city, many drivers are distracted by the images and new products and services that are advertised on them. Just within the first month, the number of minor car accidents increased by 60 percent. There are new billboards at our busiest intersections, making turns extremely dangerous. The elementary school is at the corner of Blueville Boulevard and Pine Oak Road, one of the city’s busiest intersections. Two new billboards at this intersection make it difficult for drivers to pay close attention to students crossing the streets. Our students’ safety surely is worth more than money from billboards.

I understand that our city needs additional income. Last year, two factories relocated to bigger cities, and this severely hurt residents and negatively impacted the city’s budget. Based on the previous meeting records, this new ordinance could help make up for the lost money from the factory closures. However, there are other ways of bringing in more money to the city.

I recommend moving the billboards to downtown Blueville. Events such as sports, conferences, and concerts are all held in the stadiums and arenas located downtown. That would be the perfect place for billboards.

As Blueville leaders, it is crucial to ensure that your residents are heard and feel safe. It is essential to think about the future of Blueville and not just short-term monetary gains. Surely billboards are not more important than pleasing, protecting, and keeping your residents?

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