Billboard bill could be the start of another fight

A controversial billboard location is back for another round in Philadelphia City Council.

There have been many battles in the war to put a 10,000-square-foot billboard on the side of a building at Seventh and Callowhill streets.

In the latest attempt, Councilman Mark Squilla wants to take a portion of the advertising and earmark money for surrounding schools.

“We hoping to generate from the 20 percent given to this cause upwards of $300,000 to $500,000 a year for the local schools,” Squilla said.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Mary Tracy of the group Scenic Philadelphia tried to fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court against wrapping the building with ads. She says placing any billboard on the building would be illegal.

“The laws are crystal clear on what can be there and what can’t be there,” she said. “This particular property owner is doing everything they can to circumvent the law.”

Tracy vows to fight against the sign again.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal