About this Germinara Oil truck - why not just charge people rent, as if it were a billboard?
I guess, though, that would still be offensive.
I'm of mixed minds about this truck ...
One, the business is kind of off the beaten track and the owner is promoting biofuel, which is 'green,' and the city says it wants to promote green.
Two, when it's parked at the Rte. 1 traffic circle, it's not like it's in a high-tone location (not to mention it's practically in the shadow of a ginormous windmill that was embraced lovingly by the City Council).
Actually, I can't think of anything in particular against it; I only notice when it's not there.
By making it a zoning ordinance, Councillor Barry Connell is trying to make it not similar to the A-frame signs (which are still in place; most of them without current permits).
Why not worry about enforcing laws/regulations we already have instead of creating new ones?
I still haven't heard anything about outstanding property tax bills and water/sewer bills - except that perhaps a debacle that ensued after a property owner who owes a bundle on the latter went crying to the mayor sparked at least one candidacy for city office.
City councillors would be much better off addressing how to get people to pay up on their obligations to the city and cut the budget deficit than worrying about whether trucks with advertising on them warrant a new law.
When your water and/or sewer rates go up soon - and this would be outside of the increase to cover the mods to the sewer plant - think about lax collection methods, not shutting people off who won't pay their bills, and how people can avoid paying up by going straight to the corner office and raising a fuss.
Do you really want to pay more in sewer rates because there may be a huge amount outstanding to the sewer dept. that is not being collected?
Where is the outrage?
Oh - and Tom Salemi also has a post about this same issue, although it's not as long-winded and angry-sounding as this one.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Two points to make Gillian:
1.) If everyone did what Mr. Germinara is doing, it would definitely be an issue in a city known for its aesthetics (windmill not withstanding).
2.) Mr. Germinara has a long an interesting history with the City of Newburyport. He was the fellow who was a thorn in the side of the Clancys and even let the Herald know of his 'almost' fight with Brian Clancy when the Herald and Howie Carr was all over Mary Ann Clancy for her indiscretions. Brian was almost goaded into more trouble by Germinara at a NHS event after (Brian) was already charged with assault and battery on a fellow who was doing the email horizontal bop with his wife, then the mayor. Germinara made sure the Herald knew all about it.
What I'm saying here is that while I agree with an ordinance like this, there could possibly be other motives at play here by those who know another side of Bob Germinara.
Yes, but ... everyone is not doing it ... and what is the aesthetic value of the traffic circle? There are 2 pizza places (one a chain store, Domino's), a Subway, another local food place, a car wash, a Dunkin' Donuts and a birdwatching supply store on the circle (although I love that building and will hate to see it gone).
It's not Newburyport's best visual image to begin with.
I'm not exactly sure what the ordinance states and as you know, I'm not around town all that much but I have seen the truck parked at Three Roads and downtown on more than one occasion.
And no everyone is not doing it, but wouldn't it look great if they did?
The truck is often parked along the Mall. That's where I see it.
The problematic location, as I understand it, is not the traffic circle but Atkinson Common on Storey Ave. That's the location that people have complained about I think.
Thanks, anonymous - I've never actually seen it out there, but I seldom go over that way. I go to Market Basket via Low St. But don't they have banners advertising city events strung across Storey Ave., from Atkinson Common? I thought there was some kind of furor raging over that, a few years back ...
The truck is an eyesore at Atkinson Common - especially at night, when it is illuminated. The CPC, other private & public grants have paid a lot of money to restore and revitalize Atkinson Common for public enjoyment. The illuminated truck cheapens and distracts from the park. Further, the other businesses you mention have had to get city permits for their signage - so why shouldn't an illuminated, moveable sign be required to file the same paperwork (not to mention to pay the fee)? PS: I'm not signing my name because Germinara is well known for being a total kook (re: Tom's post), and I don't want to be hassled by him.
Good point about the signage, anon. Except that I don't think any of those signage rules are enforced and everyone knows it.
Oh, they're enforced. Just ask the IC Church.
Well I do believe there was a huge hue and cry about that IC sign (although you wouldn't know it from the newspapers). So I take your point, anonymous.
Post a Comment