Banner day ends at Philly City Hall

The first sign of advertising on the side of Philadelphia City Hall has appeared.  But it has been removed and termed a “mistake.”

The sign, which was put up last week, displayed the name of a construction company hired to install new gates on the entrances to City Hall’s courtyard.  

When alerted, Mark McDonald, spokesman for Mayor Michal Nutter, said the sign was taken down.

“I think it was a misunderstanding,” he said Tuesday. “Clearly, the city doesn’t want banners and advertising placed on City Hall.”

The owner of the company contended he had permission to hang the banner.  

A city employee did authorize the sign, according to Public Property Commissioner Bridget Collins-Greenwald, but without any permission to do so.

City Council has been debating whether to allow formal advertising on Philadelphia public buildings, but has not done so yet.