Agenda Item # 10.1 - Carolyn Tognetti | Received 03/17/2023From:CAROLYN TOGNETTI
To:City Clerk
Subject:EXTERNAL - Public Comment for 3/20/23 City Council Meeting, Item #10.1 Electronic Billboard Appeal
Date:Thursday, March 16, 2023 11:29:19 PM
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Subject: Public Comment for the March 20, 2023 City Council Meeting
Item #10.1- Electronic Billboard Appeal
Dear Mayor Blankley and Council Members,
I am a lifelong resident of Gilroy. When I first heard that an electronic billboard was being proposed my first
thought was, “Oh no, we aren’t New York City with Times Square! Those belong in big cities not our small, rural
town!” After hearing of the possible benefits to our local businesses and our city coffers, as well as free advertising
of city events and emergency information, I can see why some are supportive of changing our City Code that
prohibits this type of sign. I have been somewhat on-the-fence on this. I can see the value of the benefits but still
have some concerns.
There are a couple of things that are bothering me that have not been addressed.
You have been given a lot of speculative numbers from Outfront Media regarding the percentage of customer
increase for local businesses and subsequent tax dollars increase to the city’s General Fund. But unless you can
require Outfront to only allow Gilroy businesses to advertise, the increase in customers and tax dollars may not
happen.
I would hate to see advertising allowed by competing auto dealers, hotels, stores, restaurants and shopping centers in
Morgan Hill, Hollister or Salinas. This could take customers away Gilroy businesses not increase it. Would the
Council add the restriction of only Gilroy businesses allowed to advertise to the ordinance and code?
The other thing that bothers me is that there are no restrictions on the advertising hours. I would propose that the
sign be turned off from 10:00 PM until 5:00 AM. This would help lessen some of the environmental impacts of the
bright light during the night. Would the Council add this restriction to the ordinance and code?
If these restrictions are added then I could support approval but if not, I would urge you to vote no because I do not
think the sign will help local business very much and may instead benefit neighboring towns. The other benefits
would not outweigh the many environmental and possible traffic distraction and safety issues.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Tognetti
Gilroy, CA
Sent from my iPad