Below is the text for Highland Conservancy's strong objection to Highland Township's request for a variance to install a flashing electronic sign above the current sign at the entrance to the library and post office.
Highland Township Zoning Board of Appeals
205 N. John St.
Highland, Michigan 48357
April 1, 2014
Re: Case 14-02
Dear ZBA Members,
This letter is being written in objection to the requested sign size variance for the following reasons:
1. The existing sign at the Town Center was widely hailed as the best looking sign in Highland when it
was originally erected. Its natural elements arranged artistically were a model for how attractive signs
could be constructed to reflect as a visual indicator of the values of the community. Electronic (LED)
signs are widely considered to be annoying and unattractive. To take the existing attractive “model” sign and degrade it with electronic elements that are not an expression of the values of the community is unacceptable and counter to the direction that the Planning Department has been guiding private
business.
2. It sets a bad precedent and presents a bad model for the local governing body to grant a variance to
another government body for relief from standards that the rest of the community are expected to
uphold.
3. The requested variance is major (on the order of 200% of the allowable size) and there is no practical difficulty adhering to the ordinance and leaving the existing beautiful sign alone. Off premise advertising has been highly restricted for decades in Highland and the proposed sign would also venture into that realm.
The Directors of the Highland Conservancy believe that the sign should reflect the natural values and
rural character of Highland and that this proposal takes us in the wrong direction for all of the above
reasons and that the variance should be rejected.
Sincerely
James Lloyd
President - Highland Conservancy
www.highlandconservancy.net
Highland Township Zoning Board of Appeals
205 N. John St.
Highland, Michigan 48357
April 1, 2014
Re: Case 14-02
Dear ZBA Members,
This letter is being written in objection to the requested sign size variance for the following reasons:
1. The existing sign at the Town Center was widely hailed as the best looking sign in Highland when it
was originally erected. Its natural elements arranged artistically were a model for how attractive signs
could be constructed to reflect as a visual indicator of the values of the community. Electronic (LED)
signs are widely considered to be annoying and unattractive. To take the existing attractive “model” sign and degrade it with electronic elements that are not an expression of the values of the community is unacceptable and counter to the direction that the Planning Department has been guiding private
business.
2. It sets a bad precedent and presents a bad model for the local governing body to grant a variance to
another government body for relief from standards that the rest of the community are expected to
uphold.
3. The requested variance is major (on the order of 200% of the allowable size) and there is no practical difficulty adhering to the ordinance and leaving the existing beautiful sign alone. Off premise advertising has been highly restricted for decades in Highland and the proposed sign would also venture into that realm.
The Directors of the Highland Conservancy believe that the sign should reflect the natural values and
rural character of Highland and that this proposal takes us in the wrong direction for all of the above
reasons and that the variance should be rejected.
Sincerely
James Lloyd
President - Highland Conservancy
www.highlandconservancy.net
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