This issue goes beyond just OWD issues and demonstrates both the power of special interests in the North Carolina Legislature and how effective grass-roots opposition can disrupt or defeat these special interests. At issue is the long-simmering billboard legislation that sought to curtail the power of local communities to regulate Billboard placements along public highways. Although some of the more odious provisions of the bill were defeated after strong opposition by a coalition of civic groups, the Industry is back at it again, lobbying the DOT to approve regulations that would give developers greater leeway to cut vegetation in order to increase visibility of the billboards. The message posted to the OWD listserv by John Schelp describes the situation well (after the break).
Submit your comments by objecting to this new regulation at this link.
