Taking into account the uniqueness of the project and the signs’ elements, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 17 unanimously approved electronic display signs for One Loudoun, a multi-use development with restaurants, shops, housing and a World Trade Center Association site.
The Supervisors’ decision came despite staff’s recommendation to not approve the 67-square-foot signs. Staff posited the signs will essentially be used as billboards, which are prohibited in the zoning ordinance; that the signs may be a distraction to drivers; that there’s potential for similar signs to proliferate; and that public purpose for perimeter electronic signs has not been sufficiently demonstrated.
But several supervisors said it’s about the county being business-friendly.
Chairman Scott York (R-At Large) believes the developers, Miller & Smith, have already jumped through various hoops to accommodate the county and board’s wishes.
Supervisor Shawn Williams (R-Broad Run) addressed concerns about whether the sign would be a public safety hazard or an eyesore, saying he previewed the signs during nighttime demonstration, and it wasn’t overwhelmingly bright or distracting.
The two signs, along Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway, are to be used to announce events at the One Loudoun Community and its World Trade Center. The signs won’t be used for promotional purposes at commercial shops, the developers have stated.
Supervisor Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn) said the World Trade Center makes the One Loudoun project an international draw, which warrants special considerations for zoning adjustments.
Maybe Route 7 will soon look like Route 1 in Woodbridge. Man, I can’t wait! That area is so nice! Great work GOP Supervisors.
Hey, maybe we can have an electric sign on the Courthouse lawn next Christmas and have it display everyone’s messages in a rolling scroll. WOW this BOS is on the right track! “Big Rock in the Field” help us Loudoun residents.
Great, turning Route 7 into some sad looking strip. More great accomplishments from this Board of Losers.
These guys have to pay off their campaign contributors.
Here we go again. The last time Republicans were in control of the BOS we had FBI investigations because of the political favors. It appears this Boards first actions have been paybacks to their friends! Let’s talk green but let’s really concrete Loudoun. The Republican led BOS in the early 90’s said “don’t worry these proposed developments will pay for themselves”.
Why wasn’t the sign considered through the board of zoning appeals process? The process needs to be followed for everyone or changed for everyone.
Do they have to pay to put announcements on the sign?
Wow. I’m totally against this decision .. and it was unanimous? I moved to Loudoun in part because it’s a gorgeous county and I’m reminded of this every time I drive through PA or some other locale with lax business laws. Now that Loudoun one is getting their sign, everyone else will be clamoring for one. How can they say no - the precedent has been set.
This may seem a somewhat petty issue, however they will not be getting my vote next election.
Oh, but it is all soooooooooooooo tasteful. Sooooooooooo enlightening! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Las Vegas, prepare to be out-dazzled by Loudoun County, Virginia!
The first sign program should read, “I am a corrupt politician.” -Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
The current BOS is hellbent on destroying Loudoun. They are a bunch of fools who have already shown they don’t give a damn about the county, only repaying the jackals who put them in office. Dont’ get too cozy..you will not make another election.
So much for Keep Loudoun Beautiful. Gross!
This is written like an advertisement for One Loudoun. This will set a precedent and any other large mixed use development will get one as well. If they don;t get it they will sue and win in court because the die is now cast.
No mention of Janet Clarke trying to send it to committee first because they have no standards set for these types of signs. When she couldn’t get enough support to pass that, she just voted for it anyway lest she be pegged as “anti-business”.
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