Palmer Explores Digital Billboards

Palmer Township is pondering digital billboards.

The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors Tuesday night approved a motion calling for proposals for placement of notices on two digital billboards the township owns on Route 22.

Planning Director Cynthia Carman said that in the past year the township passed zoning amendments paving the way for digital billboards.

"Since we became the new owners of a Route 22 billboard, I thought it would be a good idea for the township to take advantage, to generate income," Carman said.

The township owns a second digital billboard east of the Greenwood Avenue bridge.

"Seeing how none of us are experts, I'm asking a request for proposals to see what billboard companies could do and how much income we might expect," she said. "I want to get this out as soon as possible. Let's see what comes back."

Township Solicitor Charles Bruno said the township would have to enter into a contract with a billboard company and also make sure that all conditions are met with PennDOT.

"The potential is a win-win for the township," Bruno said. "There should be a lot of interest from potential vendors."

Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver also said the billboards could be used to promote township activities like Palmer Community Days or any Miracle League events.

Township Manager Christopher Christman said that police departments also use digital billboards to post Amber Alerts or other public information.

"Community messages are an industry standard these days," Carman said.

Colver said he did not believe both billboards would interfere with residents or businesses since they are protected by trees and located on hills.

"There's a lot of planting and buffering," he said. "They won't be an eyesore."