Resident Says Billboards Violate City Ordinance

Newport resident Torrey Jacobsen urged Newport City Council Wednesday night to remove billboards that he said are not only unsightly, but are a saftey hazard and violate city ordinances.

"There are two large eight post billboards approximately 20 feet in length, both sitting at an angle to the Van Zandt Avenue so that drivers can better read the signs while passing by," said Jacobsen.

He told council he has seen the billboards advertise anything from Dunkin Donuts to cancer foundations.

"The billboards should be removed for multiple reasons, including that they are in violation of our city ordinances, they create a potential safety hazard for local residents, their proximity to a federal historical site, money gained through removal of the signs, and their negative appearance," said Jacobsen.

Jacobsen explained the billboard approaches within one inch of the sidewalk and obstructs drivers' views.

"More so and on a personal safety note, it also causes my driveway to be completely hidden from drivers approaching from the west on Van Zandt Avenue," explained Jacobsen. "There is a large bush present up to the edge of my driveway, which is there to partially obstruct the view of the sign from my property, the sidewalk is hidden when pulling out of the driveway creating another dangerous situation."

Jacobsen added the property is plagued with people dumping trash behind the signs.

"Visitors to our city which drive down Van Zandt Ave are immediately met by this sign skewing Newport's reputation," he said. He urged the council to take action and remove the signs.