Clear Channel Loses Court Appeal to Legalize
Billboard Blight in Mayfair
In a stunning blow to Clear Channel's Outdoor
Advertising Division, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Gary Glazer
denied their appeal for a variance to legalize five rooftop billboards located
on a building in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. In the March 22,
2006 decision in favor of SCRUB, Judge Glazer referred to the billboards as
"blatantly illegal" and "atrocious adjuncts to urban blight." He said that
"they contribute greatly to the decline in aesthetic standards in this city and
should be removed immediately."
SCRUB and its community partners, Mayfair Civic Association and Mayfair
Community Development Corporation, are extremely pleased with the decision.
Reese Hardey, Chairman of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation and Tom
Forkin, Vice Chair, said that they look forward to securing final removal of the
signs. Special thanks to Attorney Samuel C. Stretton who represented the
community in this case. We are also thankful to the Zoning board of Adjustments
for initially denying the variance request. 
In light of this positive decision, showing the power of the courts in bringing the billboard industry into compliance with Philadelphia's sign control laws, the potential settlement that would legalize billboards along major gateways and commercial corridors is of great concern to SCRUB and its citywide network of community leaders currently working to revitalize neighborhoods. SCRUB's surveys show that a number of billboards currently located along these corridors are illegal. Community leaders believe that removal of these signs is an important part of streetscape improvements. By negotiating with the billboard industry without consulting with NTI or business and community leadership, the Law Department may inadvertently place a significant financial burden on streetscape improvement projects.
Removal of illegal billboards does not require payment or compensation to the property owner or the billboard company. However, if these signs are legalized, any billboard removal needed as part of a beautification program will require a significant financial payment to the sign companies and property owners. Without coordination, the Law Department risks increasing costs significantly on revitalization efforts.
SCRUB is urging citizens to contact the Law Department, the mayor and city council members and ask them to stop negotiations to legalize billboard blight.