Ex-inspector: Boardman could do better job of curtailing illegal signs

BOARDMAN

The township zoning department continues its efforts to stem the tide of illegal signs often posted by businesses near busy right of ways, said Zoning Inspector Sarah Gartland.

“Enforcing the sign ordinance is something you’re never done with, it’s something you have to continually work on with the community,” Gartland said.

Kim Kotheimer, a former zoning department field inspector, said the township could be doing a better job of enforcing the sign ordinance, however.

Kotheimer, also a former township police officer who went on to work for the zoning department, said police worked hard to crack down on illegal signage.

“When I go into Boardman and see all this stuff popping up that we tried hard to address, it’s a little bit disappointing,” Kotheimer said. “They did say in [a May 2014 Vindicator article] that they are going to try to address this, but it’s kind of perplexing that nothing has been done. ... We pretty much had it under control. And then for whatever reason ... they got lax with it for a good year.

The ordinance also prohibits individuals from posting temporary advertisements on utility poles, such as fliers for garage sales. Businesses can attach signs to their building, and individuals can advertise on their own property.

Read more about the issue in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.