Is new digital super billboard in NoLibs good for Philadelphia?

    Philadelphia City Council has paved the way for a huge digital advertisement on a building a few blocks north of Franklin Square. Opponents call it blight. Supporters call it a source of revenue for the city. What do you call it?

    Philadelphia City Council has approved a bill, authored by Councilman Frank DiCicco, that would allow wrapping a digital advertisement as large as 10,000 square feet around a building on the 600 block between Willow and Spring Garden Streets.

    Should Mayor Nutter approve or veto thebill? Tell us in the comments below.

    The new billboard would face the Vine Street Expressway and be visible from Franklin Square. 

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    Opponents of the billboard say it is a violation of the Federal Highway Beautification Act, and PennDOT has said the city could face a reduction in highway funding as a result.

    DiCicco remains staunch in his support, saying the city needs to seek new sources of revenue.

    City Council passed a similar zoning bill in June that will create an advertising district on East Market Street between 7th and 13th Streets. In hopes of encouraging growth along the corridor, developers will be able to attach large digital signs to buildings on which they make $10 million improvements.

    In both cases, improvements to Philadelphia’s business district will come with some significant visual changes. What do you think?

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