Temporary signs for retailers in Chadds Ford are an issue again. A move to allow the signs was made in 2009 when the economy was flagging. Members of the Chadds Ford Business Association made a plea to supervisors who agreed to allow the signs — small A-frame signs — on an annual basis.
The result was a resolution amending the sign ordinance. Business owners had to apply annually for a permit that cost $150. Signs were to be allowed only during businesses hours and had to be removed when the shops closed up for the night. The signs must be properly secured so they don’t blow over.
Supervisors had to re-authorize the resolution allowing the signs every year. But that might change.
During the Jan. 5 Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Supervisors’ Chairman Frank Murphy said he didn’t want to see the issue come up every year. The matter was addressed briefly during the Jan. 27 workshop and will be reviewed more fully and possibly amended during the Feb. 3 meeting. One thought is that the signs could only be authorized for six months instead of a full year.
During the workshop, Murphy said some residents consider the signs “an eyesore” and want them gone. He added that some of the shopkeepers don’t abide by the rules.
When questioned, Murphy said he wants input from both the business community and residents.
“We want to provide certainty for the business owners, safety for residents, and to make sure we have an attractive township,” he said.
The thought of losing the signs concerns Thom McGurn, owner of Chadds Ford Hypnosis on Route 1, and the only business owner affected who attended the workshop.
“My concern is that we’re making an investment in a sign, then pay a fee for the permit and then in six months not be permitted to have the signs anymore,” McGurn said after the meeting.
What exactly will happen is uncertain at this point. Solicitor Michael Maddren said the township’s overall sign ordinance is in a state of flux.
Murphy, and fellow supervisors Samantha Reiner and Noelle Barbone, discussed the possibility of establishing a separate ordinance committee to review the code and possibly come up with something new and certain.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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Interesting article. I was born and raised in Chadds Ford and moved further into more rural Chester County after college. I watched Chadds Ford change drastically.
The blanket statement about the move to allow signs in 2009, when the economy was flagging, seems to set a unique tone to the article.
What was the purpose of the required permit fee? Was it to deter those already struggling and in need of additional advertisement? Was the permit fee thrown into the kitty, or was it used for a better cause to help business owners?
Why did the supervisors have to re-authorize the resolution every year? Doesn’t that sound like a complete waste of time? Kudos to Frank Murphy for finally deciding that it was.
Six months out of the year? Really? Would these six months be limited to the spring and summer, or fall and winter, or maybe rotate months? Will the business owner be able to choose their 182.5 days? Perhaps every other day?
There will always be people who complain, whether they are originally from the area, or outsiders who want to change the community as soon as they move in. Perhaps forego the permit fees and fine the business owners who do not abide by the rules.
Mr. McGurn…my suggestion would be to request that the permit fee and the cost of the sign be refunded by the township if they have a mid-year change of heart.
I understand the concern for safety and tidiness. Signs knocked over, trip hazards, letters blowing across the parking lot, etc.
Provide businesses with uniform sign specifications to ensure safety and satisfying aesthetics: Allow the signs to be on display throughout the year: Issue a refund of the permit fee and the cost of the sign if the right to display the signs is taken away: Assess fines to those who do not comply.