By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – At the request of the City Council, a special committee will be appointed by Mayor Arthur Vigeant to study the city code sign ordinances regarding the use of digital electronic and LED (light emitting diode) signs and message boards. An order, co-sponsored by Council President Patricia Pope and Ward 1 City Councilor Joseph Delano, was presented at the Sept. ?9 city council meeting to request a 10-month moratorium to allow for a review of the ?existing ruling to see if any changes should be made.
“We are committed to helping the business community but we have to also be pro-resident and do what is best for them, too,” said Delano. He and other councilors said they receive remarks from constituents on the very bright signs in the city which many feel could be potentially dangerous to drivers.
“I find these LED signs offensive and distracting and will be supporting this moratorium while we take time to evaluate the matter for 10 months,” said Pope. “We need to look at the city code as a whole and come up with some common solutions, and working with the business community, too.”
Ward 6 City Councilor Edward Clancy stated he has been made aware of one LED sign on Maple Street.
“I feel we have to explore the growing use of these signs. LED is a thing of the future.? We have to go along with technology changes and by studying the situation we can arrive at a good solution,” he said.
Councilor Donald Landers suggested working in conjunction with the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce to gain its input and suggestions.
In other business, councilors approved a Junk Dealer's Permit – a Second Hand Dealer's License for Savers, a thrift store chain, for a store at 222A East Main St., off Route 20, where Monnick's Supply Company is presently located. Monnick's is due to move to new quarters on Maple Street in Marlborough before the end of the year.
Several restrictions were placed on the permit, developed by the Public Services Committee and the City Solicitor's office, including the placement of glue boards inside the store and setting a monthly monitoring program for detection of bed bugs and other similar insects. No Savers donation boxes will be permitted outside the building.
