Dear Editor:

The November 5, 2013 Boothbay Special Town meeting includes a vote on warrant article 4, “Miscellaneous Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.” While the “miscellaneous” amendments include many desirable technical corrections, they also include a new sign ordinance that would:

Double the size of allowable signs in all zones (except shoreland and residential) from 32 to 64 square feet.

Eliminate the restriction that light from signs not trespass onto neighboring properties.

Allow internally illuminated signs which are now disallowed. (These are plastic signs that cast light in all directions creating a halo in the general area.)

Allow signs that “change display” every 10 seconds.

Allow signs to extend 10 feet above the peaks of buildings. (Presently, signs cannot be higher than roofs.) This means that signs attached to buildings may be 44 feet high.

Allow signs larger than the 64 square foot maximum for group business areas. The primary sign can be larger than 64 square feet and each of the businesses can place an additional 64 square foot sign.

All businesses presently in existence could erect such signs upon passage of this ordinance so this change can happen immediately.

The current ordinances state that the town will “... assure that the small town rural character of Boothbay is maintained by ... protecting the scenic quality of the town along the shorefront and main roads.”

It also states that commercial and industrial users should, “Minimize adverse impact on neighboring property owners from ... signs, lighting.” The proposed sign ordinance creates a direct conflict with these goals.

There’s been speculation that the planning board could control the look of signs according to location. They can’t. There is no such provision in either the present or proposed ordinance. Everywhere you now see a sign, or may see a sign in the future, it will be allowed to be built as described above.

The desirability of Boothbay is based on what we have as well as what we don’t. As written, this ordinance will irretrievably change the look of our town to that of places which folks wish to leave, not visit. Vote “no” on Question 4.

Michael Pander
Boothbay