Verizon Center Jumbotrons

The additional digital signage at the Verizon Center is still working its way through the legislative process.  Regardless of where you stand on the issue, the City Council wants to hear from you.

Legislation will be heard next Monday, on January 23rd, at 2pm in Room 123 of the John A. Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. If you want to speak at the hearing, contact Melanie Williamson before this Friday.  If you can't get to the hearing but want to voice your opposition, you can sign this petition.

January 19th UPDATE:  The hearing has been canceled.  See our coverage here.


You can see one concerned Penn Quarter resident's views after the jump.

Dear Neighbors and DC Friends,

Jumbotron Billboards are being proposed to be erected on the exterior of the Verizon Center along 7th and F streets and big banners are proposed for 6th Street.

The authorizing leglislation allows up to 9 jumbotrons -any size, any location!

The Verizon Center says their "plan" will not impact others, it will be good for the neigborhood by attracting more people and becoming the Times Square of DC! 

First, their "plan" does not respect the neighborhood of offices, business, museums, theaters, and residences in Penn Quarter or Chinatown.

Second, the legilsation does not require them to live by their "plan".

The legislation will be heard before the City Council on Jan. 23 at 2:00 PM. Your input is very important. Please come to the hearing! You can speak or just show up to show support. The Council also needs to hear from those who care about this issue. If you're concerned, please write a letter or paste this link into your browser: www.scenic.org/verizon and sign the petition to let the DC Council know that this legislation, as written, must be stopped. Please pass this on to others today!

The legislation has NO CRITERIA, NO LIMITATIONS or RESTRICTIONS!:

1. it does not consider the safety of pedestrians or bicyclist within an 8 block radius; these signs could potentially be seen glowing and flickering from 15th Street

2. it does not take into account compatabilty with the surroundings uses

3. it does not take into account how it will change the character of Penn Quarter

4. it does not consider how it will affect the property values of surrounding offices, theaters, residences, or businesses (it affects those across the street and down the street)

5. it does not consider the impacts to public space 

6. it does not consider the impact on nationally important historic buildings or institutions

7. it does not provide for public input!

SAY NO TO SPEICAL TREATMENT for SPECIAL INTEREST!

If you want to speak at the hearing, you must sign up before Friday, January 20th.

Contact Melanie Williamson at (202) 741-2112 or email her at mwilliamson@dccouncil.us.

The hearing is Monday, January 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM.

Room 123, John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004