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11/15/2023 03:59 PMThe Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) unanimously denied an application to establish a Billboard Overlay District along Interstate 91 at its meeting on Nov. 13.
The application, brought forth by Dominick DeMartino of the Wallingford-based DeMartino Outdoor Media, would’ve allowed for three digital billboards in the industrial light and general zoning areas with frontage to I-91. The commission sided with residents who opposed digital billboards being placed in town and agreed with environmental, public safety, and overall quality of life concerns raised by residents at the public hearing on the matter.
This marks the fourth time in nine years that the PZC has not moved forward with applications to create regulations for a billboard district, the most recent denial being in 2016.
Commissioner Brian Cummings spoke against the application relating to environmental concerns.
“At a point in time where we’re trying to use less energy, with the billboard, we’re gonna be using more energy and cutting down trees so people can see them; I don’t particularly like that,” said Cummings.
The PZC referenced several studies submitted by the applicant and opponents that measured the pros and cons of digital billboards in their deliberation. Cummings cited a study from the New England Transportation Center that found drivers were more likely to be distracted by billboards and avert their attention from the road, amounting to a safety concern.
“One way we can mitigate the problems with the negative impacts and the effects on driver safety and highway congestion is to vote no tonight, and that’s where I am,” said Cummings.
While DeMartino told the commission that billboards advertising local businesses would contribute to economic development in North Haven, the members believe that this would amount to merely marginal tax revenue for the town. Commissioner Roderick Williams said the increased tax revenue from the billboard would only be “nominal” and was not worth permitting.
Commissioner James Giulietti recognized the “heavy business interest in favor” of the district and acknowledged the applicant having supplied the PZC with all the information necessary to make a supportive case for digital billboards. However, Giulietti saw that “there were a lot of individuals who were equally convinced that it’s not in the best interest of the town” and that development was secondary compared to quality of life.
“It’s important to get tax revenue, it’s important to get businesses up and running, but quality of life is a major issue, and philosophically, I’m just not in favor of billboards,” said Giulietti.
Following a statement of agreement with his fellow commissioners, PZC Chair Vern Carlson motioned to deny the Billboard Overlay District application, with a unanimous “no” from the members.
Giulietti expressed gratitude towards the proactive North Haven citizens who attended the two public hearings on the denied application.
“This commission very much appreciates the interests of the town and people that show up at these meetings and take time out of their lives,” he said. “People up at these meetings not because it affects their property, but it affects their town, and they show up, and I think you should be recognized for that, and we appreciate that.”