Much to the disgust of many a passerby, I might add. Here are the details from Joel Burgess of the Asheville Citizen-Times:
>A digital billboard planned for Merrimon Avenue is raising concerns ranging from aesthetics to safety on the already tightly packed corridor.
A manager with Fairway Outdoor Advertising, which is installing the electronic sign north of downtown, says it will tap into a “vibrant commercial artery” and make important public announcements such as when children go missing.
But residents fear the sign, which will change messages every eight-10 seconds, will further clutter the look of the north-south road and endanger the growing number of pedestrians.
Daniel Hitchcock, who sometimes walks along Merrimon with his children, said he’s already concerned about speeding traffic close to the sidewalk.
“Young drivers especially are just going to be drawn to it. It’s going to take their attention off the road,” Hitchcock said.
The billboard is being built on the west side of Merrimon, south of W.T. Weaver Boulevard near Coleman Avenue. It could be completed as soon as this month.