Some residents in Prince George’s County oppose a proposal to allow existing billboards to be turned into LED billboards.
In the early 1990s a push to phase out billboards in Prince George’s County led to no new structures being built. Some felt like they were becoming an eyesore.
Now some fear a new eyesore is in store if LED displays, which critics say are like huge TV screens in the sky, are allowed in the county.
Supporters say they could held fight crime. Digital signs like the one used in the search for the East Coast rapist have been used to break major cases, according to Clear Channel, which is behind the bill introduced by County Council member Andrea Harrison. Since 2007, digital billboards have led to the apprehension of more 50 wanted criminals, according to Clear Channel. They can also be used to offer real-time warnings and Amber Alerts to the community.
A county council zoning committee will review the proposal Tuesday.
Neighborhood associations plan to fight the proposal.
