After only one month under new sign regulations, city officialssaid citizens have been very cooperative and community appearancegreatly improved.

“The public has been overwhelming with their cooperation,” saidBrookhaven Building Inspector Steve Moreton.

Moreton said there was a smooth transition as the new rules,which outlawed “flashing arrow” signs and set restrictions on otherforms of outdoor advertising, took effect March 19. City fatherspassed the ordinance in December and there was a 90-day graceperiod before implementation.

In preparing of the new laws, Moreton said he contacted 83businesses that had signs that would need to be removed. Owners ofall but “three or four,” who expressed some concerns about propertyrights issues, were agreeable, he said.

Moreton said a couple of businesses needed help in removingtheir old, illegal signs. He said city officials were able toprovide that assistance.

“Everybody was most appreciative of our doing that,” Moretonsaid.

In March, aldermen set a $10 fee for business owners who wantthe city to remove old business signs from their property. The feemust be pre-paid in the city clerk’s office before the work isdone.

Moreton also reported improved community appearance, especiallyon Brookway Boulevard, as a result of the sign regulations.

“To me, it’s made a big difference,” Moreton said. “It’s openedeverything up.”

Moreton said there are still a few establishments, such asrestaurants and similar businesses, that are putting up banners toooften. He added he is working with owners on ways to address thatissue.

“That’s the only few lingering concerns,” Moreton said.

The new ordinance allows banners to be displayed for up to twoweeks twice a year, Moreton said. Banners must be set back fivefeet from the property line and cannot be on city right of way.

Moreton gave a grade of “A” for community cooperation with signrules and was hopeful that citizens would pursue more “springcleaning” efforts.

“The overall general appearance of the businesses and thecommunity has improved,” Moreton said.