Boardman takes down improper political signs

BOARDMAN -- Candidates or organizations who find their posted campaign signs missing from various areas of the township will likely find them at the township administration building.
Darren Crivelli, township zoning inspector, said he and police removed about six dozen signs Saturday that had been put up in violation of zoning codes. Crivelli said signs can be posted again if they are placed in the proper areas.
Many signs were removed from public rights of way along Market Street and U.S. 224, he said. Signs are in violation if placed on public property, including traffic islands or devil strips, the green space between the street curb and the sidewalk, he said.
Signs should be placed at least 25 feet from the center of the highway or 12 to 13 feet from the curb or road pavement.
Signs must not be placed on utility poles or in areas that obstruct motorists' line of sight at intersections or at residential or commercial driveways, he said.
All political signs must be removed within five days after the May 2 primary election, Crivelli added.
He said candidates usually remove signs after the primary because they want to reuse them in November. Signs not removed after the election, however, will be picked up by zoning officials, then discarded if not claimed, he said.