Following a public hearing, Butler City Council is expected to approve a plan that would rezone property to allow for electronic and traditional billboards.
Property owner and Butler native Jerry Oliver made the request to change 1014 to 1018 West New Castle Street from R-2 (Residential) to C-2 (Commercial). This is near the stoplight intersection with Hansen Avenue.
In order to place a 10-by-20-foot LED electronic billboard as well as two 12 by 24 foot traditional billboards, Oliver needs a permit from PennDOT which they would not grant until the city approves the zoning change. In order to ensure safety at the intersection and not pollute the area with excess light, Oliver presented information about how these kinds of signs do not have those negative effects.
The property is on a steep hill and the uses are very limited so it was owned by the city for a long time. Oliver purchased the land from the city for over $10,000 last year and committed to making community outreach part of the use of the sign.
Written By: Ryan Saeler for the Butler Radio Network
