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Commission expresses caution over donated electronic message sign and seeks limits
Summary
A proposed donation for an electronic message display prompted debate over whether the town should allow such signs, with commissioners favoring restricted municipal/public‑service use and further review before approving any location or permissions.
Commissioners discussed a donor offer to fund an electronic message display for the town and expressed caution about commercial use, placement and visual effects.
Staff (speaker 1) said the selectmen received a donation for an electronic sign and asked the planning commission to revisit rules because such signs are not currently regulated in the town code. Staff said they first circulated the worksheet on regulations previously reviewed and noted the donor’s request prompted renewed interest.
Commissioners expressed mixed views. One commissioner said a limited number of signs would be needed to cover town messaging and asked for restrictions against flashing or moving content. Another warned about opening the door to commercial uses if municipal exceptions were created, saying exceptions for municipal or emergency use could be used to argue for wider commercial permission.
By informal show of hands the majority favored allowing electronic signs with restrictions and further review; staff will bring back more specific regulatory language and location options (and a recommendation on whether signage should be limited to municipal/public‑service messages or opened to other uses with clear limits).
