The “Save Our Residential Neighborhood” signs that have popped up all around Greensboro Rd and out in Etna have caused quite a stir at Town Hall. I have received several emails recently from Town officials with conflicting information – the signs are allowed on private property . . . no they aren’t allowed on private property . . . you don’t need a zoning permit, you need permission from the Selectboard to display them in the Town Right of Way . . . wait, Greensboro Rd is a state road, there is no town right of way . . . you need a zoning permit to display them . . . the town will leave any enforcement to the state . . . the town will fine the property owner $285 per day per sign . . .
So, to try to cut through all the confusion and fog, Lara and I have requested permission from the Selectboard to display the signs – even though we don’t think we need permission, and even though we don’t actually own the signs or control the placement of them, but, that is what the town officials have told us to do,so that is what we are going to do. My personal opinion is that the signs are protected free speech, allowed by state law on private property in the same way that candidates signs are allowed. But, what the heck do I know?
We have asked to be on the next Selectboard agenda. The next meeting is Monday, August 5th, and we are told that we should know by Aug 1 if we are actually on the agenda. It would be great to have a big showing of support from the neighborhood. Even if we aren’t on the agenda, I plan to go to the meeting and raise the issue during the open agenda/public comments section of the meeting. Please save the date, and we will provide more details as we know them.
In case anyone wants to read the whole story, the link below contains the 100% unabridged version of all the emails back and forth from me to various town officals on the subject, presented in chronological order. I didn’t cherry pick, edit, take things out of context – this is every email start to finish, in order.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9jcaNqWKh9OX0Vib1ZTaVJtR3QxNnVmYzZRUldoeE5xZXpn/view?usp=sharing
Greensboro Road Neighborhood Info 
Hello – my name is Kristina and I live in Hanover Center. I know little about your situation except what has been written here. A friend of mine said that the large church was going to be built in the Greensboro neighborhood and that they threatened the town into building it as they would sue for discrimination. I’m not sure how they would have standing to do this and my impression is that the complaints about signs are likely from the people involved in creating the church. This could be a good question to ask the town manager at the select board meeting. I would think disruption to the neighborhood, wear & tear on the road, etc. should also be considered here as well. I’m not sure they have the standing for a discrimination complaint. Has anyone asked an attorney about this situation? We’re support of what everyone in the Greensboro neighborhood wants and certainly don’t want a megachurch in your neighborhood. I’m not sure why it has to be there. It would be important to know if anyone involved with the church is affiliated with people in town management who make decisions related to what’s happening. If you all want to make a big sign to hang in town, we’d be happy to chip in a few dollars for it. I’ll try to make the select board meeting. Where is it held? thanks much – don’t give up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kristina – Thanks for you support – it’s greatly appreciated. Your thoughts and comments are spot on. We do have an attorney representing us, and he is pushing every button he can. I assume the Selectboard meeting is at Town Hall, but we will let everyone know as soon as we know.
LikeLike
Thank you VERY much.
Jonathan Ross
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person