Commissioner Bradshaw extends Billboard Ban, offers Public Poll

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw held a called meeting on the morning of Friday, Sept. 28, to extend the current 90-day moratorium for an additional 30-days. The initial moratorium was scheduled to expire on Oct. 15, with the extension running until Nov. 15, 2018.

The decision to lengthen the freeze on signage permits is due to a need for further time to consult with Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker, Towns County Planning Commission, and the public to seek input on the mandate revision.

Commissioner Bradshaw distributed polls throughout the business community, attached to printed information on the adverse effects of billboards to local economies, asking citizens whether billboards should be permanately banned, distanced 2500 feet, one mile, or two miles apart on Highway 76 in Towns County.

Although the poll is in the early stage of circulation, the overwhelming majority of participants stated they do not want additional billboards to exist in the county whatsoever.

While Bradshaw adamantly claims to be a staunch supporter of businesses, the commissioner believes a surplus of signage would hinder rather than help.

“We work for the public and when the public speaks, that’s what we do,” Bradshaw said, maintaining that too much “sign clutter” would dampen tourism and the general local economy.

Bradshaw plans to offer additional polls to attendees at the upcoming Towns County Historical Society.

Residents and business owners are invited to request a copy of the public poll at the Towns County Courthouse.