Digital billboards approved for I-91 in West Springfield
Updated Mar 17, 2021;
WEST SPRINGFIELD Electronic billboards will be allowed in one small corner of town, far from retailers and homes.
Town councilors this week voted to allow the large signs on a handful of industrial properties between Interstate Drive and Interstate 91, just south of the Holyoke city line. They rejected a citizens’ petition request to allow the billboards along two sections of Riverdale Street (Route 5).
“I want to be pro-business, but I also want to respect the people who live in West Springfield and not create some kind of Las Vegas here,” said Councilor Nathan Bech.
Digital billboard zone proposed along Route 5, I-91 in West Springfield
Updated Feb 17, 2021;
WEST SPRINGFIELD Advertising may be taking to the skies above Route 5 if town councilors support a petitioned zone change.
William Fennell, an attorney representing 19 petitioners from West Springfield, spoke at Tuesday’s council meeting about their proposal for an overlay zone to allow digital billboards in the retail district of Riverdale Street (Route 5) and on industrial land facing Interstate 91 near the Holyoke city line.
A separate group of 13 residents sent a letter in opposition. Town councilors seemed receptive to the proposal, but wanted to make sure Riverdale Street isn’t overwhelmed by flashing advertisements.