Electronic signs spark anger in VB

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Some residents along Shore Drive in Virginia Beach say they knew the City planned to put up huge electronic signs, but they didn't think one of those signs would be in front of their yards.

The city is installing eight tall LED message board on Shore Drive near the Lesner Bridge, around high traffic areas. City officials say they will use the message boards to alert drivers to traffic changes, congestion, and even amber alerts.

Two years ago Public Works informed residents about plans for these signs through the Bayfront Advisory Committee. At that time the message board was supposed to go up on a stretch of Shore Drive with more businesses, not homes. Residents call the sign an eyesore and are also angry because they say they weren't notified of the change.

"We didn't know that sign was going to be here. I came out of the house one day and they've got a six foot hole across the street. I'm thinking what's in the hole, what's in the hole, what's going to go in this great big six foot hole? Behold it's a huge sign. I had no idea there was going to be a sign there," said Mary Lee Sawyer.

The interim Public Works director admits the city did not properly communicate the changes. He says the city is working to better communicate with residents through regular updates.

Officials say they went through great lengths to choose a location best for drivers. They plan to put up guardrails and paint the pole on the message board black to make it more anesthetically pleasing.

Residents want the existing message board along Shore Drive moved, but at this time there are no plans to make that happen.