Board of Selectmen Outraged Over Digital Billboard Proposal

At Monday night’s meeting of the Westwood Board of Selectmen, members of the board and the public spoke in outraged opposition of a proposed digital billboard near University Ave in Dedham.

The Board will be writing a letter of opposition to a company called Clear Channel, which has been trying to make an offer to the Dedham Board of Selectmen.

“This, in my opinion, is an eye sore,” said Chairman Patrick Ahearn. “It’s visual pollution. I believe these electronic things on a highway are simply unattractive and dangerous.”

Ahearn explained that they were made aware that Clear Channel has entered into an agreement with MBTA to install digital billboards. He said that one was at University Ave, which is in Dedham and that the two towns have jointly, and consistently, opposed this.

In the past, the Westwood Board of Selectmen signed a detailed letter that identified six specific concerns with the proposed billboard. However, he said that Clear Channel has creatively taken the matter into their own hands and made an offer to Dedham last month.

Ahearn and other members of the board commended the Dedham Board of Selectmen for staying rigid in their outlook on the billboard, regardless of any money offered.

“The fact they are continuing to act as a partner, in spite of fact these guys are trying to bribe them, is commendable and I know we would do the same with them,” said Selectman Philip Shapiro. “I very much appreciate their straightforwardness and transparency.”

He added, “I think it’s really a stupid place trafficwise and it’s not something that we want in the town.”

 However, Economic Development Officer Chris McKeown said that the amount offered is offensive and that the amount of revenue coming from this would amount in the millions for Clear Channel.

Selectman Nancy Hyde was visibly angry with Clear Channel and called the actions slippery and unprofessional.

“Our opposition hasn’t wavered,” said Hyde. “It’s stronger.”

Ahearn explained that when Clear Channel went to the Dedham Board of Selectman, they were adamant about keeping the towns of Westwood and Canton in the loop.

“It’s large,” Ahearn said. “I can’t even think of words I want to use. I, for one, am very opposed to this particular thing and I think we need to take all steps necessary so we don’t end up with this monstrosity in our back yard.”

Hyde was exceptionally angry because she said that Clear Channel is well aware that the towns of Westwood and Canton are opposed to this. The main reason is due to safety issues, which members of the board and the public all agreed is more important than money. Town Administrator Mike Jaillet pointed out that the proposed area on I 95 South has plenty of traffic and could be a major distraction.

Representative Paul McMurtry and John Regan, who is Senator Mike Rush’s Chief of Staff, were also at the meeting in opposition of the billboard. Regan read a letter stating the opposition of what he said would be a 14 foot high sign over the highway.

He called the location of the billboard unsuitable. They drafted the letter, which is being sent out tomorrow. Regan said that they will be looking for a quick response, preferably within a week.

Lawrence Marcum, a resident of Juniper Ridge Lane, was completely opposed to the billboard. He said that with it being such a safety hazard, it is ludicrous for it to even be considered.

“I’d like to commend the board for opposition of this monstrosity,” said Marcum.

Philip Marcum also spoke in opposition of the sign, pointing out that there are young people driving those roads every day. He said that the safety of those in the community should not be bargained with.

McMurtry also pointed out that there has been much opposition throughout the Dedham and Westwood community regarding the billboard. While only three residents spoke out at the meeting, he assured the board that there are more people feeling the same way.

“Although they are not here, I want to make known there’s an outcry on this,” said McMurtry.

The board voted unanimously to draft a letter to be sent out to Clear Channel. Hyde said that while McMurtry and Regan’s letter was respectful, she said that she hopes theirs will show the extreme opposition the board and the community has for this.

“We can’t let the money talk on this one,” said Hyde.