Washington city officials are expressing significant concerns regarding a proposed digital billboard, citing potential detrimental impacts on traffic safety and community aesthetics. The proposed location at the busy intersection of Eagle Avenue and Peoria Street has drawn unanimous opposition from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and city staff.
Key Takeaways
- City officials and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend denying a variance request for a digital billboard at Eagle Avenue and Peoria Street.
- Concerns center on traffic safety, pedestrian activity, and proximity to residential areas.
- Robinson Outdoor, the company proposing the billboard, views the location as a "home run" but is open to exploring alternatives.
Safety and Traffic Concerns Dominate Discussion
The proposed 8-foot-by-16-foot digital billboard by Robinson Outdoor is slated for a vacant lot at 1230 Peoria Street, the former site of Todd’s Servicenter. Despite Robinson Outdoor’s enthusiasm for the location, city leaders are hesitant due to the intersection’s high traffic volume and safety issues.
Jon Oliphant, the city’s planning and development director, stated that while digital billboards can offer community information, the potential negative impacts in this specific location outweigh the benefits. He noted that a significant portion of the city’s traffic accidents occur along Business Route 24, particularly where it widens to four lanes west of Wilmor Road.
Alderperson Mike McIntyre highlighted the "significant challenges in that intersection, especially pedestrian traffic," and expressed reluctance to override the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation. Alderperson Jamie Smith was more direct, telling a Robinson Outdoor representative, "This may be the best location for you, but not for our community."
Intersection’s High Traffic and Pedestrian Activity
The intersection of Eagle Avenue and Business Route 24 experiences heavy traffic, especially during school year mornings and afternoons when nearby Central Intermediate and Primary schools are in session. Washington Community High School also contributes to the traffic flow. The most recent traffic count in 2023 recorded an average daily volume of 16,200 vehicles, not including traffic on the newer section of Eagle south of Business 24.
Pedestrian activity is also substantial, with Central students frequently crossing Peoria Street to access the Beck’s convenience store. This combination of high vehicle and pedestrian traffic raises serious safety concerns for officials.
Variance Request and Future Steps
Robinson Outdoor is seeking a variance to allow for the billboard’s placement, which includes:
- Allowing a large billboard adjacent to a road with a speed limit below 55 mph.
- Placing the billboard less than 20 feet from a property line.
- Locating the billboard less than 500 feet from the nearest residential zoned lot line.
The city council is scheduled to continue its discussion on the variance request at an upcoming committee of the whole meeting, with a final vote anticipated in February. Robinson Outdoor has indicated a willingness to explore alternative sites for their proposed billboard.
