Billboard debate moves to committee

By: Stephanie Prokop
   MANSFIELD — Residents opposed to raising several tall advertising billboards in the township hoped to make their case to the Township Committee last night (Wednesday), when a new ordinance governing billboard placement was scheduled to be discussed.
   The issue has been controversial in the village of Hedding, where two 65-foot signs were proposed by Cherry Hill-based Interstate Outdoor Advertising. Residents who oppose the proposal say it would damage the historic village’s aesthetic beauty and property values. Proponents have pointed out that the signs could be a tax benefit to the township.
   Two billboards also have been proposed along the N.J. Turnpike’s Pennsylvania Extension.
   Township Administrator Joseph Broski said Wednesday prior to the meeting that the only change expected to be made to the ordinance was a minor difference in wording. The meeting was set to occur after the Register-News went to press.
   One Hedding resident, Claudia Teal, who lives on the corner of Old York Road, said she is still very much against the Cherry Hill-based company coming in and putting up the signs.
   "I would walk out my front door, and across the street is the park, and they (the signs) would be right along that section of I-295," she said prior to the meeting.
   Ms. Teal said there were other issues that concerned her as well. "It’s probably going to bring down the property value; they’ll be in view 365 days of the year, because they’ll be lit at night," she said. "I have no problem of people trying to pay their taxes, but not at their neighbors’ expense," she added.
   Ms. Teal said she and other residents planned to make their presence known at the Wednesday night meeting.
   "We just want to reiterate the issues (to the committee members) as they come in," she stated. Ms. Teal also expressed concern that the ordinance had moved so quickly from the Planning Board discussion on Nov. 20 to last night’s meeting.
   Over 50 residents attended the Planning Board meeting, many opposed to the proposition. The Planning Board tabled discussion for a future date.
   "What’s the rush to put this through?" Ms. Teal questioned.
   Mr. Broski, the township administrator, noted that the Planning Board is only an advisory board to the Township Committee.
   "The Planning Board has asked for an opportunity to review certain items, and we did gather the information, he said.
   Mr. Broski continued, "I’m not sure the Township Committee is going to allow more input or not. That was the intent, but the Planning Board acts as an advisory board."