Mayor: Please keep signs clear of right-of-way

To the Editor:

Now that fall is here and various activities are under way throughout the community, I would like to take this opportunity to remind citizens and businesses regarding the prohibition of placing signs in street and highway rights-of-way.

We are also entering the final weeks of our municipal election cycle. As such, our neighbors and political parties are rallying behind their favorite candidates. While all are encouraged to vote and be an active participant in the election process, the city would like to remind candidates and supporters of our modest rules on the placement of political signs.

Citizens, candidates, organizations and businesses are asked to keep all signs, which include, but are not limited to, real estate, event, political, garage sale, not-for-profit and other types of signs out of city, state or federal road and highway right-of-way. Signs must be displayed on private property. Generally signs should be located behind the sidewalk or 10 to 15 feet from the edge of pavement for most city streets. We do have a few streets such as Indianapolis Road and State Road 240 where the right-of-way is quite wide.

The City of Greencastle may remove signs that are located in the right-of-way. In some instances the improper placement of signs can constitute a traffic hazard.

Removed signs can be retrieved at the Department of Public Works located on North College Street. After 10 business days the city may dispose of the signs.

Please also note that our utility companies prohibit the attachment of signs to power, light and telephone poles. The nails and staples can be a hazard to our utility workers.

We appreciate the cooperation of our citizens, candidates, organizations and our businesses.

Thank you.

William A. Dory Jr.

Mayor