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1 Millcreek City Ordinance 21-48 should be referred to Millcreek voters? Construction has commenced on the Millcreek City Center, but rights to a billboard exist at 3300 South, between 1300 East and Highland Drive. To eliminate this “impediment,” Ordinance 21-48 was passed by the City Council (November 8, 2021). Ordinance 21-48 allows a digital sign on public property, 26½ feet high with 576 sq. ft. of illuminated digital messaging, changing every 8 seconds, 24/7 for 40 years. The Council declared; this is “the best decision for our city” (11-12-2021, e-newsletter). The City Center Plan suggested signs (Section 04) but nothing like 26½ feet high with 576 sq. ft. of constant digital messaging. The City argued that City Center and $40M City Hall plans would unravel if Ordinance 21-48 was not passed. “Failure (will) cost us as much as a million dollars just to buy the sign and associated rights” (11-12-2021, e-newsletter). (The City now has an appraisal value of $397,500.00, much less than earlier $1M-plus scare statements). A Referendum Application asks Millcreek voters to consider Ordinance 21-48. The right to vote is a foundation of democracy and is constitutionally protected. On November 22, 2021, the Millcreek City Council frustrated that right, delaying a citizen’s vote on Ordinance No. 21-48 until November 7, 2023. Referendum Sponsors (all Millcreek residents) make the following arguments supporting a vote. The multi-million-dollar City Center project should have never commenced until every development and construction issue had been resolved. Homebuyers perform due diligence, why not Millcreek City? The City knew that billboard rights existed. Why weren’t they addressed well before the Council committed millions in bonds and other financial obligations? Delay(s), they say now, will incur more bond interest payments, delay moving city hall, and deprive the timely delivery of the things we want: a City Hall and City Center (11-12-2021, e-newsletter). If delays and additional costs are real, City incompetence is the culprit. The Council’s arguments ring hollow. The fact they delayed a vote until November 7, 2023, speaks volumes. What is the problem with a large digital sign? it conflicts with the Planning Commission’s deliberate and thoughtful recommendation that the City Center Plan and sign ordinance remain unchanged. Second, a deceptive renaming effort is occurring. Renaming a billboard as a district sign doesn’t avoid precedent or the fact a district sign remains a ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 billboard. A weed remains a weed. Ordinance 21-48 permits the invasive spread of large digital signs across Millcreek City. A large and intrusive digital sign devalues public investment, including a $40M City Hall. The City Center plan envisioned a community gathering space with monument-style signs. Can you think of another publicly funded community plaza with a 576 sq. ft. digital sign as a predominant design feature? Ordinance 21-48 makes the City’s “Connected by Nature“ motto laughable. The Council declared Ordinance 21-48 was “the best decision for our city.” Millcreek voters deserve the opportunity to decide if that statement is accurate.