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Signs or No Signs, and Town Regs!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC

In this economy, businesses need to do all that they can to bring in the customer.  Displays, signs, sales, balloons, etc.

It seems that the town regulations, do not allow you to do so.  This isn't just in one town.  These businesses are located on major roads, that are state highways.  I truly don't understand, that in this economy, they actually, ask you to remove these advertising tactics from public view.  What??

Taxes must be paid.  Bad economy or good economy, right?  Wouldn't you think that the towns would be more open to helping businesses grow and prosper right now? 

I have sat on local boards.  Same argument from local businesses.  Most of the time, they are seasonal signs or signs proclaiming a sale, special event.  Give them a break!  Thank goodness that they are still in business and paying your town taxes!

The towns suggest that you apply for a special permit.  Of course, that will cost you extra monies.  Then, that permit is limited to a certain number of days.  Most times, a week or two. You have to hope that those few days, are not rainy and cold.

Seriously, our towns do need to be a bit more compassionate with local businesses who are contributing to their towns, not only by paying their taxes, but, also, those businesses support local charities and youth organizations, too.

Here's hoping someone, locally, is able to encourage businesses to grow and prosper.  They need each town's support.  As a Realtor, and a local business owner, I support these companies and I encourage the towns to be more cooperative with them.

 

Posted by

Sharing the good life,

Frances   

Oh, By the Way...if you know of someone who could use my good services, please send me their contact information.  I will follow-up and take good care of them for you.  I am never to busy for you or your referrals!

 

Comments(9)

Dennis Puckett
Adams,Cameron & Co. - Deland, FL

To think that I thought that was just in Florida. I have placed temporary open house signs only to have the city take them within the first two hours. Then they had the nerve to tell me I could pick them up at a central location for $35.00. Are they crazy or what. The sign only cost $8.00 to begin with. You would think any idiot would know that open house signs are up for only a few hours.

May 29, 2010 07:37 AM
Ken's Home Team LLC. | 360.609.0226 | Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA Real Estate Team
Ken's Home Team LLC. - Vancouver, WA
- SOLD IS OUR FAVORITE 4 LETTER WORD -

I understand the towns, if you start allowing policies to be broken it will be harder to restart them in the next few years.  So why fight it and allow it now.

May 29, 2010 07:42 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Dennis, No kidding!  Jeepers!

Ken, If the businesses cannot advertise, how will they prosper and contribute to the local economy?  These are not residential areas and the signs are not permanent.  Why not allow local commerce to prosper?  In today's economy, to even, survive!  Your local businesses, no matter where you live, contribute heavily to your local tax base.  Without them, you wouldn't be able afford your house taxes!  Or, the towns, would have to have layoffs of their employees.

May 29, 2010 07:53 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

When a clients ask for a directional, I tell them to call their county commissioner and ask. I understand the problem as well for the towns but there has to be give and take. I have suggested they use prison or jail labor to clean the streets. I always put mine up on Friday's and take them down on Mondays (Open House signs that is). But we do have many that don't and there is the problem.

May 30, 2010 03:06 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Thanks, Charles,

Just seems like bad politics to me:)  Everyone shouldn't be punished for a few who take advantage. Especially, the local businesses.  What happened to Free Enterprise?  I guess the businesses are just feeling it a bit more in this economy.  Taxes continue to rise, even though income has not.  They have deadlines and must be paid.  However, if the businesses need consumers, anything needs to be done to get them in and buying!

May 30, 2010 12:30 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

When you say "towns," what you really mean is "town governments." Anytime you add the word "government" to anything, it seems that things get messed up.

Jul 02, 2010 10:34 PM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

LOL!  So true, Russel!  When I was on the Economic Development Commission for my small town, I was the only Business Owner, or Business Professional! 

Jul 09, 2010 09:05 AM
Jon Sigler
Coldwell Banker Realty - South Windsor, CT
Sigler Sold Another! 860-306-8029

I get a kick out of the microscopic for sale signs that Bloomfield allows.  The post is the same size, but the postage stamp sized sign just looks silly.

Aug 15, 2010 02:53 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Jon,  I agree.  When we had a home on Martha's Vineyard, they had that same small sign policy!  You really have to look closely, for them!  If they had a big post, little sign, at least you could see the post!  Right now, with small businesses hurting so, you would think that the towns would loosen up and let us advertise, anyway that we can keep our businesses, growing.

Aug 15, 2010 07:49 AM