Letter to the Editor: Woodbury Was the Envy Of Other Towns

To the Editor:

We have lived in Woodbury over 60 years. When we moved to Woodbury, it had charm, historic character and beauty. It was apparent that residents loved Woodbury and maintained their property.

And, if someone ignored the zoning or historic district sign regulations, once notified, the resident complied, out of respect for fellow residents, the beauty of Woodbury and the Town regulations. There was a common understanding that we all wanted to maintain this beautiful town and its historic character. We were the envy of surrounding towns.

It is sad, then, when several years ago, some residents started to push the boundaries by displaying political signs in the historic district that violated the zoning and historic district regulations.

Additionally, when there were complaints lodged with the regarding the violation of sign regulations, the issue of "freedom of speech" was used as a reason not to follow the sign regulations.

No zoning or historic district regulation has restricted one's right to "freedom of speech," only the aggregate size of the sign or signs (12 square feet). Since then, we have seen a blatant disrespect for Woodbury and the political sign regulations by conspicuously displaying signs that exceed 12 square feet in total.

What's the solution?

Should we cave in and remove the town's political sign regulation(s)? If we did, what is to prevent the display of even larger and "in your face" political signs? Or even worse, signs accompanied by balloons, illumination, sound, etc.? Let's be sensible. Keep and enforce the present political sign regulation(s).

Now is the time for residents to care and speak out, insisting that the political sign regulations be kept and enforced. Whether you write a letter, speak to a zoning/historic district commission member or attend the . Let your wishes be known!

Norman and Adele Taylor
Woodbury