Via: Star Tribune
Date: Aug 5, 2008
Author: DAVID PETERSON
Judge turns billboard off and a new debate on
In the first court decision of its kind in Minnesota, a judge in Ramsey County has ordered Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. to shut off a flashing electronic billboard it installed in Arden Hills nearly two years ago without the city's permission. The billboard -- one of a new generation that critics say threatens to turn American freeways into mini-Las Vegas strips -- was one of eight the company installed throughout the Twin Cities area, setting off a host of repercussions. Attorneys for the city say that the ruling of J. Thomas Mott, a district judge in Ramsey County, is a major signal from the courts that these billboards do in fact represent a fundamental change and one that cities have the power to stop. "The practical effect," said attorney John Baker, of the Minneapolis firm Greene Espel and representing Arden Hills, "is that it prevents a billboard company from unilaterally putting up a dynamic sign and saying it has a right to disregard local laws. To the contrary, it is an expansion of what they had before, and they've got to obey the laws as written." Clear Channel attorneys could not be reached for comment.
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