Princess Anne fire station sign fires up controversy – Delaware Wave

PRINCESS ANNE — Town officials are expected to place a moratorium on new business signs while they look at revising the existing ordinance and iron out a dispute with the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company.

The fire company recently asked for a permit to install a new electronic sign to replace an old portable message board on the sidewalk, but were turned down.

“We didn’t grant it because that kind of sign isn’t even mentioned in our code,” said Town Commissioner Jay Parker.

The town ordinance dictates the sizes and types of signs that are allowed. Although it addresses flashing and illuminated signs, there is no mention of newer electronic LED signs that are now commonly used by businesses and fire companies.

The rules — which can be found on the town website — are more restrictive in the downtown historic district, where the fire station is located.

Commissioner Joey Gardner said a vote on a moratorium will likely take place at Monday night’s town meeting.

“I hate to put a moratorium on things, but what they want, under our code, doesn’t fit,” he said.

Van Muir, president of the fire company, said members were “a little upset with the town.”

An electronic sign would allow firemen to better advertise events and make announcements including ones for county rabies clinics and burn bans, he said. Letters on the existing sign have been known to blow away in a strong gust of wind.

“The sign we have out there now is antiquated, to say the least,” he said.

The sign the fire company wants would be on a pole that would be attached to the building, and would look better than the sign that’s out there now, Muir said. It is expected to cost about $ 25,000.

“I would think it would add to the town,” he said.

The fire company recently asked Princess Anne Chamber of Commerce members to support the request for an electronic sign.

Many business owners in town are in favor of it, he said.

Parker said town officials hope to get all parties involved in revising the sign ordinance.

“We want to work together in a positive way, but we can’t if our hands are tied,” he said.

somersetherald@gannett.com

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