Palmer Digital Billboard Close to Compliance

It's almost in compliance.

With a hearing scheduled Tuesday morning on an injunction over the controversial digital billboard on Route 22, Palmer Township's solicitor asked a judge to hold off because the developer was complying with resolving code violations.

Appearing before Northampton County udge Paula Roscioli, Township Solicitor Charles Bruno stated that based on "considerable progress" in the past week, Palmer Township would hold off on the injunction hearing and might even withdraw its petition if the final measures are completed.

The last obstacle before a certificate of occupancy is issued has to do with an illumination test of the billboard, which Bruno said is expected to take place Wednesday night.

"We will await your word," the judge said.

Developer Abraham Atiyeh must also hook up the billboard to permanent power and Bruno said that pressure is being put on Met-Ed to do so.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to go forward with an injunction, which Bruno filed last Friday.

He stated in court—with Township Manager Christopher Christman and Zoning Officer James Raudenbush looking on—that the developer got his PennDOT permit and resolved a few other issues such as passing inspections for the structure and electrical work.

"As far as procedural aspects, the owner is working toward compliance effectively," Christman said following the meeting.

Bruno agreed.

"We have a property owner who is acting in good faith," he said. "If the developer had not done anything, then we would have had no choice."

Hay Terrace residents—who say the billboard is ruining their quality of life—have complained to the supervisors, showing up in force at several meetings over the past month to protest the billboard's brightness and blight.