City Council approves 28-foot digital billboard despite neighborhood brightness concerns

Pittsfield City Council made significant strides towards enhancing local business visibility during their January 14, 2025, meeting, approving a motion to install a new digital billboard in a commercial area. The council's decision, which came after thorough discussions about the billboard's design and operational details, aims to provide a platform for local businesses and important city announcements.

The proposed billboard will stand 28 feet tall, strategically positioned to ensure visibility from key roadways, including Plastics Avenue. Council members expressed enthusiasm about the potential benefits, highlighting the billboard's ability to promote local enterprises and share vital community information. The design includes a painted base that will blend aesthetically with the neighborhood, moving beyond a mere functional structure to a visually appealing addition.

However, the council's deliberations were not without concerns. Some members raised questions about the billboard's brightness and its impact on nearby residential areas. The petitioner assured the council that the billboard would operate at a brightness level comparable to that of a Kindle, designed to dim automatically and avoid disturbing local residents. This feature aims to mitigate concerns about light pollution, especially for those living in close proximity to the installation.

Financial implications were also discussed, with the estimated monthly operational cost projected at around $540, based on current electrical rates. The council emphasized the importance of exploring renewable energy options to optimize costs in the future.

While the motion passed, some councilors expressed the need for more detailed visual renderings and operational data to fully understand the billboard's impact. This feedback highlights the council's commitment to transparency and community engagement in decision-making processes.

As Pittsfield moves forward with this initiative, the council remains focused on balancing business interests with community well-being, ensuring that developments like the new billboard serve the broader goals of enhancing local economic vitality while respecting the needs of residents.