The Marietta Daily Journal – Council closer to lighting up Cobb Pkwy with digital signs

MARIETTA — The needs of local businesses were pitted against the beautification of Marietta once again as the City Council moved a step closer to allowing digital billboards to be built on Cobb Parkway.

Marietta’s zoning laws prohibit erecting any billboards within the city unless they are within 100 feet of Interstate 75. But in April, the council started discussing options, initiated by Councilman Jim King, to expand the zoning along Cobb Parkway and the 120 Loop.

Due to the requirement of a 500-foot distance between a new billboard and any residential property, the 120 Loop is ineligible for further billboard development and there are no spaces left on Interstate 75. But Cobb Parkway, where there are few homes and limited side streets, is prime real estate, King said.

Mayor Steve Tumlin said Wednesday that for businesses to reach a large audience, the billboards have to be on a major road.

via The Marietta Daily Journal – Council closer to lighting up Cobb Pkwy with digital signs.