Call it a trial balloon to help businesses struggling in the grips of the recession. The Fayetteville City Council Thursday night will hear a proposal designed to allow businesses in the Main Street district to use certain types of inflatables for outdoor advertising.
The council will consider an amendment to the sign ordinance that would allow the temporary use of balloons in outdoor advertising.
Main Street Director Brian Wismer said the intent of the current ordinance is to prohibit large inflatables such as the Godzilla inflatable that sits atop car dealerships in some cities. But the ordinance as written, said Wismer, prohibits all inflatables.
“Main Street and Planning and Zoning staff believe that this is a creative advertising tool that the city should allow to its Main Street merchants. It will also allow us to positively respond to the numerous requests staff has received from the Main Street merchants to allow balloons atop their outdoor displays,” said Wismer.
Wismer said that based on an earlier request from the council, city staff is recommending an amendment that provides for a temporary trial period to relax certain aspects of the ordinance.
If approved, the resolution would allow temporary balloon displays to be affixed to sandwich boards or other permitted signage, excluding stake signs. A half-dozen restrictions include non-metallic balloons only; balloons must be no larger than 12 inches in length or circumference; maximum number of six balloons per storefront/property; and a maximum tether length of 24 inches. All displays will be required to conform to the Main Street Historic District sign ordinance aesthetic standards.
City staff at the meeting are also recommending the low bidder of the five received for the construction of turn lanes on White Road and Banks Road at Ga. Highway 314. Lewallen Construction, who successfully completed the Lanier Avenue/Ga. Highway 85 Streetscapes project a few years ago, was the low bidder at $149,348.75.
The project is expected to reduce congestion at the intersection, said city officials.
Funds are available for the project that is funded through impact fees. The project had originally been budgeted for $256,000.
