Billboards On I-45

[BtotheRob]

Can anything be done about the billboards on 45? Some cities don't allow them at all... why do we? Hopefully something can be done to rid this city of that.

BR

[tw2ntyse7en]

...

[MaxConcrete]

Can anything be done about the billboards on 45?  Some cities don't allow them at all... why do we?  Hopefully something can be done to rid this city of that.

BR

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When I researched this issue for the Houston Freeways book, I found that federal regulations prohibit the removal of a billboard along a federally funded highway without compensation for lost income. TxDOT and the City of Houston don't have the money to buy out the billboards. When freeway expansion necessitates billboard removal, the billboard can be moved to any location in Houston's ETJ that allows the billboards. That has resulted in a glut of billboards along certain freeways, mainly high-volume freeways like the North and Southwest freeways.

Although City of Houston regulations require the removal of all off-premise billboards by 2012, the freeway billboards will persist, as best as I could determine. So enjoy your freeway billboards. They'll be around for a long, long time.

[firstngoal]

This is the most frustrating issue for me regarding creating a quality environment in Houston. Billboards are such a complete eyesore, such a pox on our city - and as I was born and raised here - is something that I have had to deal with my entire life. It is downright depressing to think that they may very well be there, particularly along I-45, my entire life! The fact that companies like Clear Channel and Viacom are profiting at our city's expense (and along highways we paid for!) is unbelievable to me.... and to advertise what? Liquor (hello, do we want o promote drinking and driving!?), ugly houses, strip joints, cigarettes, car dealerships, Louisiana casinos - what kind of message does that send to both our residents and our visitors? I've had it... anybody have a bulldozer I can borrow??

And you are right... when I travel around the country, there are countless cities that have billboard-free zones along their interstate highways... and then when I land back in Houston - BAM! - welcome back to the Visual Assault Capital of the World!!!! Honestly - and I like this town - but there is not a stretch of highway in North America that looks as cheap, tawdry, and trashy as I-45 between the northern and southern sections of the Beltway. Its maddening...

It sure makes it difficult to impress those from outside of Houston (ahem, like real estate investors) when they can't even see our skyline due to billboard proliferation.

[MaxConcrete]

This is the most frustrating issue for me regarding creating a quality environment in Houston. Billboards are such a complete eyesore, such a pox on our city - and as I was born and raised here - is something that I have had to deal with my entire life.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, there are some good things happening. The Sam Houston Tollway was designated as a scenic zone and is almost entirely billboard-free, to the best of my recollection. The West Loop through uptown is a scenic corridor, which prevents new billboards. There are other scenic zones. Also recall that the Katy Freeway was lined with billboards on the railroad corridor, most of which were removed after TxDOT bought it in 1992. Once the high voltage towers are removed, the Katy Freeway will be visually far better than it was before expansion began. (Of course, some billboards will remain.)

It's unfortunate that the North Freeway is the first thing many visitors see. The narrow corridor from 610 to Sheperd exacerbates the problem by making the billboards seem even more imposing.

But there is one potential way to minimize the mess: a major freeway expansion with a major right-of-way acquisition, similar to the Eastex Freeway (or Katy Freeway). Many billboards would be displaced, although most would be relocated alongside the new right-of-way. But making the corridor wider will reduce the impact of the billboards. After all, aren't billboards much less imposing on the Eastex?

TxDOT's recommendation is to add 4 HOT lanes to the North Freeway. I calculate that will require 100 feet of ROW with proper emergency shoulders, and the existing HOV lane has 20 feet. Add in extra ROW for a third frontage road lane in each direction plus modern standards for offsets, and you're looking at a potential 120 feet of acquisition. That could make a big difference. Will it happen? Hard to say. TxDOT is backing away from ROW acquisition after the Katy Freeway, and any amount of opposition could derail the whole plan since there are no powerful interests pushing for the expansion. But, there's still hope. Maybe someday......

[yall_are_nutty]

it's not only billboards but the signage for all the businesses along there. a restrictive sign ordinance would have been nice.

[pineda]

(from the draft minutes of the November 18th, 2004 TxDOT meeting. TxDOT in this case tried to do the right thing, but got their hand slapped)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ITEM 11. CONTESTED CASE

Walker County - SignAd, Ltd. vs. Texas Department of Transportation - Consider

action on administrative law judge proposal for decision concerning cancellation of an

outdoor advertising permit, final order

Commissioner Houghton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Andrade,

and the commission approved the following minute order presented by General Counsel

Richard Monroe:

109881

OGC

On March 25, 2004, the Texas Department of Transportation (department) canceled

outdoor advertising permit No. 074489, which was held by SignAd, Ltd. (SignAd). SignAd

filed a petition for an administrative hearing under the contested case rules of the Texas

Transportation Commission (commission). The matter was referred to the State Office of

Administrative Hearings. A Proposal for Decision, together with findings of fact and

conclusions of law, was issued. The Proposal for Decision concluded that the cancellation of

the sign permit should be overturned.

THESE DRAFT MINUTES ARE POSTED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES. THE MINUTES

WILL BE VOTED ON BY THE COMMISSION AT THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING.

November 18, 2004 983

Under the Administrative Procedure Act and the commission's rules, the matter is

now appropriate for entry of a final order by the commission.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the commission hereby issues the attached

order in the case of Texas Department of Transportation v. SignAd, Ltd., Docket No.

601-04-5715.

The executive director is directed to take the necessary steps to implement this

order.

Note: Exhibit A on file with minute order clerk.

ITEM 12. CONTRACTS

a. Award or Reject Highway Improvement Contracts

(1) Maintenance

Commissioner Houghton made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Nichols,

and the commission approved the following minute order presented by Construction

Section Director Elizabeth Boswell:

109882

CST

Pursuant to Transportation Code, Chapter 223, Subchapter A, and Title 43, Texas

Administrative Code, Chapter 9, Subchapter B, the Texas Department of Transportation

(department) solicited and received sealed competitive bid proposals for maintenance of the

State Highway System, which were publicly opened and read on November 9 and 10, 2004.

Pursuant to cited code provisions highway maintenance contract bids on a project

may be accepted or rejected, but if accepted must be awarded to the lowest bidder.

An award is conditional in the event it is subject to Federal Highway

Administration concurrence, third party funding or concurrence, and other conditions

listed in the contract.

The department recommends that the Texas Transportation Commission

(commission) respectively award to the lowest bidder or reject, as indicated, those

highway maintenance contracts, with an engineer

[fewellman]

i acually like the billboards. it gives you something to look at while you are stuck in traffic. and some are acually funny. And the beer ones are usually funny, and whats wrong with a hot girl on a billboard advertising a strip club.

[tw2ntyse7en]

...

[ricco67]

Personally, I think we can do without a number of the billboards.

Yes, a FEW can be clever.

a considerable number of them ARE tacky.

But I have to agree with 27, the Darque tan girls ARE cute.

Still, the billboards HAVE to go.

Ricco

[tw2ntyse7en]

...

[fewellman]

my bad the darque tan girls are the best ones i forgot. my girl friend always gets mad at me for staring at those when i drive by

[northbeaumont]

Can anything be done about the billboards on 45? Some cities don't allow them at all... why do we? Hopefully something can be done to rid this city of that.

BR

Without billboards, how would you know what is at the upcoming exits? Yes, I'll admit that some of them are unattractive. What I really like are the interstate logo signs with a blue background with contain several logos of restaurants and other businesses at the upcoming exits. Maybe someone has a photo of one or of some that he/she can post.

[JLWM8609]

Without billboards, how would you know what is at the upcoming exits? Yes, I'll admit that some of them are unattractive. What I really like are the interstate logo signs with a blue background with contain several logos of restaurants and other businesses at the upcoming exits. Maybe someone has a photo of one or of some that he/she can post.

Those seem to be a rural highway thing in Texas at least. I don't think TxDOT would be so quick to place them on urban freeways just yet.

[Vertigo58]

I have always liked billboards as long as they are not created to disgust, be repellent or for shock value.

The best ones are the ones that have a real beautiful gorgeous girl or woman advertising a product. I have no complaints there either!

I have always loved the glittery Las Vegas type too. There are great ones on the west coast that actually move. My fav there are the ones that flip left to right then right to left like a vertical venetian blind. Sunset Strip always had the most cool! Do a Google and see! >

[northbeaumont]

I have always liked billboards as long as they are not created to disgust, be repellent or for shock value.

The best ones are the ones that have a real beautiful gorgeous girl or woman advertising a product. I have no complaints there either!

I have always loved the glittery Las Vegas type too. There are great ones on the west coast that actually move. My fav there are the ones that flip left to right then right to left like a vertical venetian blind. Sunset Strip always had the most cool! Do a Google and see! >

To be honest, there are some billboards that I don't understand. I mean, why would someone driving on an interstate be interested in getting a vasectomy reversal? Upon seeing the sign, would him make him exit to get "clipped?"

[Firebird65]

To be honest, there are some billboards that I don't understand. I mean, why would someone driving on an interstate be interested in getting a vasectomy reversal? Upon seeing the sign, would him make him exit to get "clipped?"

I swear I've seen that vasectomy reversal billboard all over the place. Despite it having a Houston number I've seen it in both Kentucky and Utah. LOL!

[Vertigo58]

I swear I've seen that vasectomy reversal billboard all over the place. Despite it having a Houston number I've seen it in both Kentucky and Utah. LOL!

That's what I meant by advertising that shocks or is in bad taste for the pathetic cause of marketing a product.

Just watch in a few years (if not already) there will be gynecologists showing spread eagle pics uncensored of course. Business's feel since we live in a shock-free society why not? It's time to cash in!

Basically everthing you see on prime time (and worse cable) is on billboards already. Girls in elementary schools talk about abortions and the stuff only women knew about. Its a free for all.

[Firebird65]

Just watch in a few years (if not already) there will be gynecologists showing spread eagle pics uncensored of course.

Actually, I've already seen that. Not on a billboard, but on a web site. The billboard that advertised the site was provacative enough to get me curious to go to a gynecologist's website (not an easy thing to do, considering I'm a man). Needless to say, I wasn't quite expecting whatI got. Not that it was dirty or anything, but let's just say you got a thorough biology lesson, complete with pictures.

[northbeaumont]

I swear I've seen that vasectomy reversal billboard all over the place. Despite it having a Houston number I've seen it in both Kentucky and Utah. LOL!

It might be one of those businesses that obtains a phone number from a city that they're advertising in but they're actually somewhere far away.

To be honest, there are some billboards that I don't understand. I mean, why would someone driving on an interstate be interested in getting a vasectomy reversal? Upon seeing the sign, would him make him exit to get "clipped?"

I said that wrong. He's already been "clipped." If he sees that sign, does it make him want to exit and get himself "reconnected?"

[flyingman]

I was trying to take a picture of Downtown as I approached closer and closer going north on I-45. Damn billboards and business signs kept getting in the way of the awesome shot it would have been. Awesome angle from the sun, unique color of sky, hello billboards and sign.

Disgusting indeed.

How about one interchanging LED board every once in a while along the road during the day? (They can be blinding at night as you may tell by MGM and NYNY bridge Vegas) LED what? Solar power what? What is this internet you speak of?

[texas911]

Are you guys serious? If you want to beautify the city, billboards are the least of our problems. I don't understand this. How about not allowing dumpster to be put in front of a business. Legislate that you have to put parking in the rear of a business and put the architecture in front. How about some zoning, or a cohesive master plan for "districts". Billboards? Wasted effort.

[Vertigo58]

Are you guys serious? If you want to beautify the city, billboards are the least of our problems. I don't understand this. How about not allowing dumpster to be put in front of a business. Legislate that you have to put parking in the rear of a business and put the architecture in front. How about some zoning, or a cohesive master plan for "districts". Billboards? Wasted effort.

Good point. Advertising however, has become a real monster and theres no end in sight I'm afraid. I remember when the Super Bowl was about football, thats it. Its an advertising-gorefest now. Its lost its whole premise. Everywhere from public restrooms to airline seating there will be more adds being rammed down everyone's throats. I read in business weekly that airport restrooms will now have toilet paper with ads. It's the monkey-see, monkey-do genre. Competition between sponsors & ad agency's only fan the flames in the madness. The more risque and provocative the more attention it gets, right?

May as well join and create some clever one's ourselves. I can see baby bottles with Nike or Gatorade in neon colors on them. As the baby sucks the drink down the bottle fades into different colours? or contact lenses with Pearl eye wear emblazoned across each lens? I could go on. Yep, its a mad, mad, mad world.

[jfre81]

Zoning is not the problem. Zoning would probably make the Inner Loop unaffordable to everyone, even the average renter. Besides, how do you go about zoning when everything is as patchwork as it is in regards to land use.

Now, billboards. They're there. Don't look at them. Look at what's in front of you and around you on the road (i.e. cars) and we might have fewer stupid accidents that hurt and kill people. Even if every billboard is gone it's still not going to be very pretty.

They could try doing with at least parts of 45 what they did with 59 from Shepherd to downtown - dig a trench, put all cross streets going over the freeway and that is really not conducive to visibility in regards to billboards. Clear Channel, Viacom might end up taking them down themselves afterwards. Just a thought.

[texas911]

Zoning is not the problem. Zoning would probably make the Inner Loop unaffordable to everyone, even the average renter. Besides, how do you go about zoning when everything is as patchwork as it is in regards to land use.

Really? Tell that to the Southampton residents that tried to keep a Dental Office from opening in the heart of their neighborhood. Or in the Heights, where you can open up a used car lot right next to a house. How is it that everyone else in the US is wrong about zoning and we're the only one right?

[jfre81]

Really? Tell that to the Southampton residents that tried to keep a Dental Office from opening in the heart of their neighborhood. Or in the Heights, where you can open up a used car lot right next to a house. How is it that everyone else in the US is wrong about zoning and we're the only one right?

These people have plenty of options.

A) Going to IAH to leave town and go somewhere else

Going to Hobby to leave town and go somewhere else

C) Going onto the billboard-lined freeways that are the actual topic here to leave town and go somewhere else

D) Taking the *scenic route* on the backroads to leave town and go somewhere else

E) Just shutting up and dealing with it

I choose Option *E* - Houston has no zoning - it's just the way it is.

[texas911]

Nice attitude. That's what makes Houston such a great town to live in, people only give a crap about themselves. No sense of community.

[jfre81]

Nice attitude. That's what makes Houston such a great town to live in, people only give a crap about themselves. No sense of community.

You're free to create another thread about zoning and explain how it would work after everything's been built as it is (assuming there isn't one already), instead of carrying on about it in a topic intended to be about billboards on 45.

My attitude is only about realism. You are not going to see zoning in Houston, just like you're not going to see the billboards leave the freeway landscape. When this happens I will light up a big fat joint in front of HPD headquarters downtown, because it will be legal by then.

[sunsets]

OK, so there's no zoning, but there certainly are neighborhood deed restrictions.

Granted, it takes a lot of community involvement (and apparently a decent lawyer can get around them - see the "condo loophole" in the Heights) to get them on the books and enforced, but you can't say neighborhoods aren't trying.

[texas911]

I was on topic. There are more pressing problems in Houston than Billboards. Apparently, attitudes are also a problem.