8/2/14 - No matter how you slice it, a local businessman and the City of Howell see signs differently. After being told to move a handmade temporary sign placed near Grand River, John Kinnunen who operates Dukeâs Pizza decided to strap it on top of his personal vehicle thatâs used for deliveries. That ultimately prompted more communication from the City. Itâs a competitive business and signage doesnât come cheap so Kinnunen approached the Howell City Council last week. He pointed out all of the signs on the sidewalks downtown and hard it can be to navigate around them, saying he's just trying to have a business. A couple of years ago, the Planning Commission clarified the intent of the portable sign ordinance after increase in the number of signs at strip malls and along South Michigan Avenue. It was determined signs be located within 10 feet of a business and that they were intended to be pedestrian oriented - not out by the road for passing vehicular traffic. Part of the intent was safety as the signs can create visual distractions and obstructions for motorists. Some council members commented that not having a business right downtown shuts off one avenue of advertising and were open to having the Planning Commission revisit the matter and look into Kinnunenâs circumstances, as well as the intent of the ordinance. Staff expressed that the subject would likely be brought up during the August meeting. (JM)
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