It Comes Down To Money

[pineda]

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Builders may stop using bandit signs

Sign kiosks might replace 'litter on a stick'

By JASON KING

Chronicle Correspondent

Area builders are considering semi-permanent sign kiosks as an alternative to bandit signs in northwest Harris County.

The kiosks would stand several feet tall and feature changeable advertising panels that builders could lease and use to point the way toward their developments.

John Burchfield, general counsel for David Weekley Homes, said builders are deciding on a number of issues, including the exact dimensions of the kiosks, where they are located, how many there will be, and who would maintain them.

He is hopeful that the kiosk plan will work out because the disposable signs are expensive.

He said David Weekley Homes, the target of one of several Better Business Bureau complaints because of the signs, has decided to stop using them in the area as a gesture of good will and in support of kiosks.

Richard Cron, with the Greater Houston Builders Association, said area builders are committed to finding an alternative to directional signs.

"I think they're eager to find alternatives," Cron said. "They want to enhance the area."

For years, community activists, law enforcement and government officials have been at odds with the issues surrounding the small, disposable bandit signs, which some call "litter on a stick."

Larry Lipton, founder of the 1960 Area Community Alliance, has been an opponent of the signs, but has said he wants to help businesses find alternatives.

He said he supports the idea of kiosks.

"Anything that gives a standardized presentation so that people can find the new home subdivisions without seeing all of the clutter is exciting," he said.

Details of the plan have not been worked out, but organizers

[20sGirl]

That's almost as bad as those signs in the theater district.