Signs

There are too many signs and they blight our community.  It’s nearly impossible to travel around Cranford and not be bombarded by signs – Realtor signs, contractor signs, garage sale signs as well as signs that direct traffic, set speed limits and spell out parking rules.

Before I go on a disclosure is in order.  I am a real estate broker and an owner of a real estate company.  My company uses yard signs, when permitted, on homes that we list.  If we advertise an open house we use directional signs to help guide prospective buyers to the home.  This is done for a four-hour period and only on Sundays

There are two different types of signs, municipal and commercial. Let’s start with municipal.

Some municipal signs are attractive and enhance our community, such as those at our municipal building and our parks. The signs that mark our town’s borders are appealing too.  These are wooden signs that are appropriately sized and nicely presented.

Municipal traffic signs are another matter. Clearly we need posted speed limits and we need to know if a street is one-way or comes to a dead end.  Some sign poles carry three or four different bits of information. Do we really so many signs to convey these messages? 

Parking signs are ubiquitous.  How many times have you seen a bright yellow curb – No Parking – and then even more signs telling you the same thing?  There are No Parking signs in places where the curbs haven’t been painted.  Why not simply paint the curbs and reduce the visual clutter?

There are signs throughout our community that direct people to the police station.  What is the compelling reason?  Perhaps the signs aren’t so much about finding the police station, as reminding us of a police presence.  That thought is even more worrying than the visual clutter.

The proliferation of commercial signs is another issue. Remember the craft fair in mid October?  If you drove through Garwood there were four signs with arrows directing you to downtown Cranford. Why?  Did the event promoters seek permission from Garwood to place the signs?  I would not to welcome signs in Cranford advertising events in another community.

Then there are directional signs that Realtors use.  Not the ones for open houses. but the ones left at prominent intersections for weeks at a time. These signs always have a Realtor’s name and usually carry an advertising message as well. They are more about advertising and gaining market share than they are about selling property. 

I called Commissioner Ann Darby to discuss this matter. Ms. Darby spoke with Ron Meeks, Cranford’s zoning officer, who said that placing signs on public property was expressly prohibited by ordinance.  Ms. Darby explained that although the ordinance was in place, the township rarely enforced it.  She suggested that I call Ron Meeks and provide him with a list of signs and locations and he would then take action.  Mr. Meeks now collects the signs and calls the offending Realtor. I’m pleased by the cooperation I’ve received and the progress that has been made.

Ms. Darby and I also discussed Realtor and contractor yard signs. Once again, there are ordinances on the books but they are rarely, if ever, enforced. I believe there should be a fee to place a yard sign.  If a $50 fee is charged for each sign and if there is conscientious enforcement, there will be fewer signs, they will be better presented and they will be in yards for less time. The revenue earned through fees and fines would outstrip administration and enforcement costs. 

Garage sale signs are everywhere. Why do people find it easier to put up signs than to take them down?  There should be guidelines on the placement of signs – and fines for those who fail to promptly remove their advertisements.

Ron Meeks has been instrumental in ridding our community of unwanted signs. In addition, Realtors have shown more respect for our community since Mr. Meeks has informed them of the town’s ordinance.  It’s all about setting the right tone.  If we work to control visual clutter Cranford will become a more attractive community.