Conklin board presses Park Outdoor over billboards, seeks legal review

Town Attorney Cheryl Sacco told the board Park Outdoor Advertising’s signs are in violation of Conklin’s zoning code and that the town is evaluating options to have the signs removed or to pursue a franchise arrangement that would capture revenue. At an October meeting, board members expressed concern the installed signs are ‘‘an eyesore’’ and noted the possibility of legal fees tied to removal if Highway Law protections apply.

Park Outdoor has argued some signs are on highways it says are protected under Highway Law §88 and General Municipal Law §74‑c and that removal could trigger compensation. Sacco said her office is compiling a map and legal analysis to test the Highway Law claim and will advise the board on next steps. ‘‘The Town Code does not allow advertising signs (billboards) in the Town except in specific areas with Special Permits approved by the Town Board,’’ she told the board, describing the firm’s position as disputed by town counsel. The town is documenting locations and plans to ask Park Outdoor and property owners to remove nonconforming signs, or to negotiate a franchise if removal would be costlier than a regulated approach.