Town says Tannery Pond sign to be removed after complaints; FBI described wording as "awful, but not unlawful"

The Supervisor told the board neighbors had complained about a sign on property owned by the Nestle Trust near Café Sarah's that some residents viewed as threatening. After legal and administrative review the town concluded the sign fell within a temporary-political-sign exemption in section 7 10 g of the sign ordinance, but public pressure prompted referrals to law enforcement and a federal tip line.

Relaying a briefing from the sheriff's office, the Supervisor said the FBI described the sign as "awful, but not unlawful." He said he is seeking a compromise: remove the Tannery Pond portion of the sign and neutralize the single word that prompted concern. He asked the sign owner (identified in the transcript as 'Bob') to consider taking down the Tannery Pond portion and to remove the controversial wording.

The Supervisor said the town counsel reviewed permitting and found a sign-permit application in the file but concluded no permit was required for a temporary political sign under the stated ordinance section. He emphasized the town's balance between protecting First Amendment speech and addressing residents' safety concerns, and said he has tried to de-escalate tensions.

Board members asked the sign owner to consult with the Tannery Pond organization and indicated they would accept removal of the Tannery Pond portion as a fair compromise. No enforcement action was described in the transcript; the plan described in the meeting is removal of the Tannery Pond portion and covering or removing the single word that sparked complaints.