You can't force aesthetics on someone who is comfortable with ugliness because they are looking down at their little pennies. Little dirty pennies are all they see.

So not only do we not collect any revenue from the billboards. We will not recieve and property tax from this land as well. Sounds like a win win situation for the already burdened tax payers of this town. But that is okay because Mr Weber and the rest of the council are always right. Just ask them. Some of them will even make up an answer to win their arguement. Right Mr Semonelli.

If the ALT truly had their act together, they would use the billboard already established to communicate their plan. why not say on the billboard "take me down" then provide a website with info about the ALT and the billboard.

On a reality note - I get confused on the look/feel of this area when directly behind the billboard is a group of cottages that are not the most historical representation of Middletown and would be better off if not there.

Why not restore these "boards" in an Antique style and use them as "Good News" boards- Messages that welcome and wish all to be aware of issues, holiday, hopes, dreams of the town- No political please-- you could use simple messages, and or entire pictures of this area--(old b/w's or New) With so much bad news in our world this might be a wonderful touch-- by giving them a "classic look, landscape them and light them with up lights- they would be given a more wholesome look- Maybe an ad could read- "While we are known as Middletown we strive to grow and share not just the middle but the left, and right of center"-- A farming town that is GROWING with its people! -- There are ways to build upon this odd eye-sore--- You just have not thought about it-- It also could be used to encourage Conservation and Nature type events--- BUILDING up The ATL-- which in many way takes on a less then friendly approach- some might even call it a bit on the heavy side-! We are all OR SHOULD BE--for preservation and restoration of this wonderful isle, but lets show off our best side, kindess, gentleness AND Good Business and Growth can become what THE TOWN IN THE MIDDLE is Centered about!--

Here is some background on the issue: http://middletown.patch.com/articles/billboards-on-east-main-road-do-tough-times-call-for-scenic-concessions

how long have the Billboards been there?

Mr. Clement,
Thank you for sharing your views and I applaud the overall efforts of the ALT but the current economic climate does not favor walking away from a reliable revenue stream. We can address the issue as to if the town is maximizing on the billboards $$$ potential in the near future but to turn off that spigot does not make sense to me.

We find the billboards down in the fifth ward equally as lovely. How much does the City of Newport or private land owners gain from leasing these properties to LAMAR? Perhaps most of us taxpayers would rather pay a little more than have to look at the atrocious signage. How do they get by zoning?

What if we were to keep the signs, renegotiate the rates and designate the funds for our school sports and extracurricular programs? In addition, we could direct a percentage of the revenue to the ATL to support their ongoing efforts. That sounds like a reasonable compromise… and as Mr. Clement indicated in his letter above, the ATL has already demonstrated that compromise is prudent and necessary when attempting to achieve the larger conservation goals of the ATL.

keep the signs and charge a toll to see them, i didn't see one word about folks running for office in middletown about tolls, very dissapointed

I agree with East Side. Take down the billboards only for my next sight to be that dump we call sandpiper cottages??? Honestly I travel EMR all the time and those billboards are hardly noticeable. What will be noticeable is when our children can't play JV sports, Varsity sports, or sports at all because the "Town" can't come up with $42,000 to pay for them. Shame. But we know how this Town Council roles. Just blame missing sports on the Unions in town. Take down the billboards and what does EMR become? Still and eye soar. No sidewalks, no grooming of the landscape, sandpiper cottages, and street curbs falling apart. Honestly I think the billboards fit right in.

I am sure that most people don't even notice those billboards. To loose that money will hurt the town. I also would like to have more of our reps from Middletown show their support for no tolls on Sakonnet bridge.

"Those billboards are like a dangerous precedent or cancerous growth, and seem more like something you would see on West Main Road."
Real nice, Mr. Clement.
So why should 1.5 million of our money go to your "sweeping scenery", ie: open field? Wouldn't that money be better spent on beautifying West Main Road? I say, put our money to the greatest use- far more people travel W. Main.

While we are on the subject of signage has anyone noticed how negative the signs are as one approaches Third Beach?
Example: No horses, no dogs, no alcohol, no skateboarding the the parking lot, no barn fires, no trespassing, no wading, dangerous wake area, handicapped parking only, no parking either side, heavy fines for littering and the final insult: No swimming per order of The Department of Health. Other than that you're welcome!