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From:jap@ix.netcom.com
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Public Comment for Oct 20 City Council meeting item 7.4 Electronic Bill Boards
Date:Monday, October 20, 2025 3:58:04 PM
Public Comment on Proposed Digital Billboards
Good evening, Mayor and Members of the Gilroy City Council,
My name is Jim, and I am writing today for public comment on item 7.4 Electronic Billboardsto express my strong opposition to the installation of digital billboards in our community.
Traffic Safety Risks Highway 101 is already a highly congested freeway with daily accidents.Adding electronic billboards would only increase the danger along this corridor. Digitalbillboards are not just visual clutter—they are proven safety hazards. Animated and changingcontent draws drivers’ eyes away from the road for longer periods than static signs. Multiplestudies have linked these distractions to higher crash rates, particularly rear-end and sideswipecollisions. Young and inexperienced drivers are especially vulnerable.
The proposed locations near San Martin Airport also raise serious aviation safety concerns.Bright, flashing billboards could distract pilots during critical moments of takeoff and landing,especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Environmental and Health Impacts The intense, unshielded light from digital billboardscontributes to light pollution, diminishing the natural night sky and interfering withastronomical research at Lick Observatory. This artificial light also disrupts circadian rhythms,negatively affecting the sleep and health of nearby residents. Our region’s outdoor recreation,wineries, and rural character all depend on preserving a natural nighttime environment.
Wildlife and Habitat Concerns Bright lights disrupt nocturnal species’ foraging, migration,and reproduction cycles. Conservation groups, including the Audubon Society, have raisedconcerns about impacts on birds and other nocturnal wild life.
In addition, creating clear sight lines for billboards often requires cutting down trees andvegetation. This contributes to erosion, worsens air quality, and undermines local conservationefforts.
Conclusion Digital billboards pose unacceptable risks to driver and pilot safety, public health,wildlife, and the environment. They are incompatible with the values of our community andthe long-term sustainability of this region.
I urge you to reject this proposal and instead prioritize the safety, health, and growth of ourcity and community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully submitted, Jim Piazza, Gilroy Resident