Damaged business sign could soon face demolition

By Randy Bell

Photos by Tammie Stephens

The Board of Aldermen is giving a Clinton business thirty days to repair a damaged sign that’s become an eyesore along Highway 80. If the work isn’t done by then, the sign will be torn down.

“I am seeking a resolution to declare this property in its present condition and state to be a menace to the public health and safety of the community,” Director of Community Development Roy Edwards told the Board at its July 2 meeting.

The sign sits in front of a building housing the Taste of India restaurant, an Indian bazaar, a barbershop and an event center. Parts of the sign intended to advertise some of those businesses are missing leaving an empty shell atop the pole.

“It’s been that way quite a while now,” Edwards told the Board. He said the owner indicated he was working with a sign company to make the repairs.

Edwards recalled that the original sign was too tall to be in compliance with a City ordinance, and a request for a variance several years ago was denied. So, the sign had to be lowered.
Ward 2 Alderman Jim Martin asked if this might be an opportunity for the City to have the sign replaced with something more attractive, perhaps a brick design. But Edwards said the current sign, if repaired, would be in compliance as is.

This isn’t the only business sign in Clinton that’s in need of repair. The one at the Captain D’s restaurant on Highway 80 was also damaged in a storm. Edwards says the business is working with a sign company to make the repairs.

Edwards also says code enforcement officers are telling other businesses with damaged signs that they need to come into compliance.