During the Downingtown Borough Council meeting held on July 6th, residents took the opportunity to reiterate their annoyance with the electronic billboard on the Route 30 Bypass that is still visible from several homes, writes Ginger Dunbar for Daily Local News.

Council members, other elected officials and residents stated that council was misled by Catalyst Outdoor Advertising when its representatives sought and gained approval for the electronic billboard in December last year.

Members recalled billboard experts saying most areas would not be able to see the sign and trees would be planted to reduce the impact on the Norwood Home Apartments.

Despite this, residents who live in the 200 and 300 blocks of North Lake Drive said that the light is visible from their homes during the sign’s operating hours from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

“We were never to see the sign and I don’t want to see the sign,” said nearby resident Bobbi Jo Broomell.

The company attempted to find a compromise by agreeing to plant 20-foot trees in the area at the cost of $50,000 to help obstruct the view from residents. However, this has not deterred some residents from wanting the sign removed.

“The billboard should never shine in or above a residential community, and trees are not the answer, but going up against Catalyst is,” noted Broomell.

Read more about the issue at Daily Local News here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Downingtown Borough Council here.