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San José approves two digital billboards at airport despite public safety and process concerns
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to award a contract for two large digital billboards near U.S.‑101 at San José International Airport, accepting staff assurances on renewable energy use and tree‑replacement requirements while several public speakers warned of glare, safety and incomplete environmental and vendor‑evaluation information.
The San José City Council on June 23 approved an airport advertising concession to install two large digital billboards near U.S.‑101 adjacent to the airport, overruling public opposition citing visual impact and safety concerns.
Airport Director Mookie Patel and Deputy Finance Director Marta Bertoni presented the results of a 2024–2026 RFP process and recommended awarding the contract to OutFront Foster Interstate. Staff said the proposed contract complies with City policy 6‑4 by requiring 100% renewable electricity for the signs and a 5:1 tree‑replacement policy that would remove 6 existing billboards citywide for every airport billboard installed.
Financials and uncertainties: staff described a minimum guaranteed payment of $600,000 per year or a revenue share of roughly 55–60% of gross airport advertising receipts. During the presentation staff cited a range of projections, and several members of the public and council noted an inconsistency in how multi‑year totals were described in the memorandum; the council accepted staff’s pledge to uphold the contract’s environmental and size limitations.
Public opposition: speakers raised safety and process issues. John Miller of the No Digital Billboards group said the memo omitted key details (screen format, size definitions and prior Airport Commission votes against the project). Other commenters said bright digital displays can be disorienting for drivers and problematic for visually impaired residents or those with photosensitive conditions.
Council discussion and vote: Councilors asked about sign size and the relationship to past proposals; staff said the proposed signs are 14 by 48 feet and would sit about 55 feet above ground level, smaller than an earlier iteration. After questions and assurances about environmental mitigation measures and contractual controls, the council voted unanimously to approve the contract award.
Next steps: The airport will finalize contract terms with the vendor and execute CEQA‑related compliance steps; members of the public said they will continue to monitor implementation and compliance with the replacement‑tree and energy requirements.
