HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 20 2025 Item 7.4 - Oppose Electronic Billboards - Connie RogersFrom:james rogers
To:All Council Members
Subject:EXTERNAL - Whether to have electronic billboards
Date:Wednesday, October 15, 2025 9:49:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Dear Mayor Bozzo and Council Members,
I’m writing regarding item 7.4 on your agenda for Monday, Oct. 20th.
This same item was considered in 2023 and turned down by both the Planning Commission and Council. The same
applicant and sign company are trying again because there are 3 new Council Members this year. They are very
determined and aggressive. It seems likely that the sign company is funding this re-application.
First, I would encourage you to think about the image you want Gilroy to project to motorists on 101. Two years
ago the sign proposed was HUGE, 42’ x 14’ and would have had electronic images changing as often as every 30
seconds. This hardly fits with the image that Visit Gilroy portrays……… one of pastoral wineries in the relaxing
countryside.
I have read the packet of information supplied with your agenda and take issue with much of it. Two years ago we
learned the following:
* that advertising on the sign would be too expensive for almost all locally owned businesses.
*The only income it would generate for the city would be from sales tax incurred locally.
*Advertising local events would be costly.
* Most of the advertisers would be for nationally marketed products.
* These signs do contribute to light pollution.
The pole signs pictured in your packet for the Garlic Farm, etc. are nothing like the much larger electronic billboards
with constantly flashing images. To me those are stress inducing and distracting to drivers.
I urge you to continue Gilroy’s existing policy of not allowing “billboards”, especially electronic ones, within our
city. If you do wish to consider this option, please ask many questions and do further research about how these
signs operate in the more urbanized cities north of San Jose. Ask specifically what benefits would come to Gilroy,
the cost of advertising on the sign and the details of the contract that the sign company would require. Some cities
have had legal problems with the sign companies. There is much additional information for you to consider before
agreeing to allow electronic billboards.
We all want to help local business, but I don’t believe this is a good way to do that. Thank you for keeping this in
mind as you discuss the issue at your meeting. I plan to attend and comment.
Sincerely,
Connie Rogers
former Planning Commissioner and former Council Member