During the Town of Homer Town Board meeting last night the discussion of billboards within town limits was once again brought up. Board Member Kevin Williams, who has been leading the town in research and future planning in regulations, spoke on his need for additional time on the issue.
Williams stated to the board that he is still addressing two issues that have been brought to his attention and has been working with a consultant regarding regulations of billboards in the Town of Homer. He continued on saying he needs additional time before the board can take any action on the subject, suggesting he will have something ready for the board to discuss and possibly vote on around March of next year.
Fellow board member Larry Jones, expressed his frustration in another delay to the matter. Stating it has already been 18 months since the town began reviewing possible regulations towards billboards. Jones says the town has been “hanging this to dry.”
Jones continued on asking when the public will have another chance to speak on the matter, gesturing to the room full of residents attending to hear new news on the billboard discussion. Williams replied back saying when a plan is ready to be presented to the town, a public hearing will be done for residents to voice their opinions.
Town Supervisor, Fred Forbes, who will not be in the Town Boards next term come January along with Larry Jones, spoke again on his public opinion, but noted he will not pressure the upcoming board on his ideas. Forbes says he would be in favor of 2 smaller billboards, one facing north and one south on I81. He continued on saying he would be for a special Interstate zoning area, which would then allow property owners who are permitted by the federal government via the Federal Highway Act of 1965. Currently, there are only 5 properties that qualify under the federal government’s regulations on outdoor advertising along federal highways such as I81.
No further discussion on possible billboards within the Town of Homer is expected until at least the new year.
