Landmarks Opposes Proposed Ordinance to Allow “Advertising” in City Parks and Recreation Areas

PITTSBURGH, February 7, 2005— City of Pittsburgh Councilman Motznik has proposed an ordinance, (Bill No. 386) that would allow advertising from sponsors to be posted in parks and recreation areas. Signs up to 4’x8′ would be permissible on buildings, structures, and fences. The proposal is intended to generate funds for the City. 83 locations have been identified as possible locations for the signs.

A diverse array of groups and citizens have expressed dissatisfaction with the ordinance, including the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, the Riverlife Task Force, PennFuture, the Sierra Club, American Society of Landscape Architects, GroundZero Action Network, et. al. The Planning Commission voted unanimously in opposition to the proposal. The bill now moves to Council. The bill will require seven out of nine votes to pass.

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation believes that the City of Pittsburgh has a rich history of public stewardship of its parks and recreation areas. These parks, many of which were donated by prominent families as gifts to the citizens, have served for decades as refuges away from the bustle of the workplace and commercialism. Permitting a 4’x8′ sign advertising on every sort of item will visually pollute these wonderful places of rest and play, commercializing what should be natural.