Lamar billboard lease

Lamar's attorney explained the swap program: 14 boards removed, three two-sided signs added (one digital), net eight removed. The lease won't take effect until all variances are secured, and digital boards can carry Amber and weather alerts and donated non-profit time.

Lamar's VP/GM addressed concerns: automatic Amber Alert and weather alerts, state-regulated brightness, light-direct technology invisible at 30 degrees off-axis, about $200/month to run, and Lamar pays the city lease — no cost to taxpayers.

Spoke for outdoor advertising: the local newspaper has faded as an ad medium and billboards work — his grandsons saw a Sheetz taco billboard and bought tacos.

The former city planner said Lamar's variance requests are prohibited under Zoning Code Section 8.9.7.A, said draft sign-code amendments he wrote were never shared with Council, and said he was terminated after raising these issues with the City Manager.

Opposed the billboard at the pedestrian-heavy edge of Palatine Park and a residential area, citing light pollution studies, and argued Lamar is holding the community hostage by only fixing derelict billboards if it gets the digital sign.

Asked whether taxpayers are getting the best deal on their own land; urged measurable community benefits — required ads for the city, nonprofits, tourism, emergency messaging and affordable access for small businesses — or renegotiation.

Warned digital billboards endanger drivers with migraine and neurological conditions, cited light pollution and grid strain, criticized Lamar's poorly maintained existing signs, and called leasing land for something still against zoning bad policy — 'billboards make eyesores.'

Called Palatine Park one of the city's jewels and said a glowing billboard would distract from concerts and ruin the park's charm and value as a community space.

A retired DOH outdoor advertising inspector said state law caps structures per location and would require removal of the Palatine Park sign, and noted digital billboards hum.