03-07-2025
Worcester board: No permit for controversial billboard plan near lake
The Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday denied a special permit for a proposed 75-foot-tall billboard near Indian Lake.
The board voted 5-0 against approving the permit, which would have allowed a billboard to be erected at 5 Norton Drive. The billboard would have overlooked Interstate 190, according to the project's renderings.
The application for the permit was submitted by Kenjoh Outdoor Advertising, an advertising company with many billboards throughout the United States, according to its website.
The proposal for the billboard in Worcester received opposition from many of the city's residents and politicians, who argued the billboard's LED lights would cause light pollution, hurting the wildlife in the area. Opponents also argued the billboard and its lights could distract drivers traveling on I-190.
During Monday night's meeting, several members of the public spoke out against the plan.
'Just because a special permit can be issued, doesn't mean it should be,' said Steven Rothschild, a Worcester resident who lives on the lake. 'This is a complete aberration.'
'We don't need another billboard,' said Worcester resident Diane Fratoni. 'I hope that you don't approve this sign.'
Representing Kenjoh Outdoor Advertising at Monday night's meeting was Attorney Mark A. Borenstein, who works for the law firm Prince Lobel Tye LLP.
During the presentation, Borenstein showed photos of Indian Lake from various locations, such as Holden and Proctor streets. He told the board that residents in these areas would not see the sign.
'It is a significant distance from across the lake,' Borenstein said. 'You're not going to see the sign from many of these houses adjacent to the lake and inland.'
Borenstein also said the billboard presents an opportunity for public agencies, governmental agencies or non-profits to have visible signage. He also said the sign could be used for Amber Alerts.
'Certainly if a parent is concerned about a particular issue, it would be very fortunate to have that as an option,' Borenstein said.
Nevertheless, the board chose not to approve the permit, with members acknowledging the public's disdain for the proposal.
'I do think the public has spoken out pretty clear against it,' said Jordan Berg Powers, the chair of the board. 'When I talked to people, there wasn't anyone I talked to that felt that this was a good use of the property.'
Man shot, killed in Worcester; suspect in custody
Worcester man sentenced for hitting Warwick police chief with car
Worcester City Council approves nearly $1 billion operating budget
Read the original article on MassLive.
