Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Electronic Message Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Wildwood officials on electronic-message sign for Lafayette High School; staff explains limits
Summary
At a public hearing, residents raised safety and character concerns about a proposed electronic message center at Lafayette High School; city staff said the ordinance allows text-only EMCs in Lighting Zone 2, limits transitions and includes a 10:00 p.m. cutoff (off until 6:00 a.m.), and the conditional use permit can impose stricter hours.
The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on a conditional use permit request to replace an existing changeable-copy sign with an electronic message center (EMC) at Lafayette High School (southeast corner of State Route 109 and Clayton Road).
Travis Newberry of the Department of Planning reviewed site photos and the proposal to remove the existing sign and install an EMC. Department staff said the property is located in Lighting Zone 2 and that the city's EMC regulations would apply if the commission ultimately favors the permit.
Mayor Gaertano asked whether the proposed display could show video or graphics; in response the department clarified the city's rules “are text only,” and explained transitions are limited (staff noted transitions may be limited to no greater than 60 minutes in some instances) and that the underlying regulation requires the sign be off no later than 10:00 p.m. and remain off until 6:00 a.m.; a conditional use permit can be made more restrictive.
Resident Carol Cronin, trustee of Babler Park Estates, told the commission she lives in nearby Westland Farms and said the existing stone monument sign better suits the residential area: "I just think it changes the residential... atmosphere," she said, and called the EMC a potential distraction for drivers. Another resident asked whether the EMC would be similar to signs on Clarkson or Clarkson-area video signage, and staff emphasized the city's once-per-hour change rule and dimming requirements to avoid flashing or video effects.
The public hearing was closed on a motion by Council member Marshall, seconded by Commissioner Clayton. No final decision was made tonight; the department will include comments in its recommendation and the commission noted consideration will not occur earlier than the July 2026 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
