Derby’s the smallest city in the state, but resident Harvey Finkel is worried the city is on its way to another distinction — having the most signs tacked to utility poles.
Finkel spoke during the public portion period of the Derby Board of Aldermen’s July 24 meeting. He said the city needs to do something about the signs because they’ve become unsightly.
Finkel gave Aldermen some photos he took of sign-infested utility poles in Derby. Route 34 on the city’s east side is especially prone to street spam.
Finkel said yard signs plunked in the ground along roads are an issue, too.
“If these signs aren’t illegal, they should be,” Finkel said.
Signs aren’t allowed on poles or trees in any public right of way, according to state law. Violators face fines of up to $50 for the first offense.
Several towns link to state law from municipal websites.
The signs aren’t just from local driveway pavers and sketchy “work from home” fly-by-nighters.
Finkel pointed out Home Depot in downtown Derby has started putting out large signs advertising things like mulch sales.
“That business doesn’t need that sign. It’s a $78 billion — billion with a ‘b’ — business,” Finkel said.
The Aldermen didn’t address Finkel’s comments, as the public portion part of the meeting is simply the public’s opportunity to comment on city issues.
But it isn’t the first time they’ve heard about sign pollution.
Back in 2009, Joseph Bomba, an Alderman at the time, complained about the signs, too.
Ron Culmo, then the public works director, told Bomba DPW crews constantly took signs down.
And the people who post the signs don’t just target the working class and the middle class. In fancy-schmancy Westport, two local officials are to sign pollution what Curtis Sliwa was to 1980s NYC crime.
