Dear Friends of Scenic Pittsburgh,

I am pleased to announce Scenic Pittsburgh has negotiated an agreement the Parking Authority, the City and sign owner to remove a billboard erected in violation of the City of Pittsburgh Zoning Code. We expect the 19’ x 58’ electronic billboard that hangs on the Grant Street Transportation Center in Downtown Pittsburgh will be removed on or before September 1, 2011. We are pleased about the agreement as this partially completed sign hanging at a prominent downtown intersection has remained an eyesore for more than three years.

Although this long-running legal fight has ended, the controversy continues. It is unfortunate that this billboard should have been handled as a simple zoning variance issue. Instead, an unconventional permitting process eventually led to the dismissal of two zoning commissioners and the URA Director. The removal of this sign validates the position taken by Councilmen Shields, Peduto, Burgess, Kraus and Dowd, who were sued for their opposition to this billboard. These councilmen should be commended for defending the people's right to due process in the well established zoning process.

The story of this billboard is a lesson as to why it is important to carefully consider the consequences of allowing electronic billboards in our neighborhoods. Once you allow billboards to be built, they are nearly impossible to get rid off. Scenic Pittsburgh is moving forward to remove other illegal billboards, but because of state law, most billboards in Pittsburgh enjoy grandfathered legal status. Hundreds of non-conforming billboards would be illegal otherwise.

Rand McNally, Forbes, and The Economist recognize Pittsburgh as among the best. It is time to take a close look at what makes Pittsburgh exceptional. For many years our riverbanks and skylines where dominated by commercial interests but the “smoky city” eventually reclaimed its riverbanks and skylines. Today we bring our visitors to the overlooks to gaze down on our proud city. This happened because of an advanced understanding of the value of these resources and the vision of a better Pittsburgh.

In the vision of a better Pittsburgh, where do billboards fit? How much of our reclaimed city should we surrender to corporate interests? What do electronic billboards contribute to riverbanks and skylines of our scenic city? Do you want an electronic billboard in your neighborhood? These questions are not rhetorical, and will soon be up for debate in City Council where their decision will affect Pittsburgh’s image for another century.

Mike Dawida

Executive Director

POST-GAZETTE  - www.post-gazette.com/pg/11124/1144016-100.stm

TRIBUNE REVIEW - www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_735398.html