Politics & Government

Electronic Signs Spark Spirited Debate

Strong opinions on casino development in Foxborough made its way into debate at Monday night's special town meeting.

While the polarizing issue of casino development was not on Monday night's strong opinions on both sides of the issue made its way into debate.

Opponents of casino development in town gathered outside Foxborough High School before the start of town meeting, handing out flyers outlining the seven reasons to oppose the casinos and lessons learned from Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

Inside FHS, article 6 on the town meeting warrant, which was expected to draw a lively debate, saw a glimpse into what has truly become a polarizing issue for the residents of Foxborough - casinos. Article 6 on the town meeting warrant contained a zoning article that would allow the town to install non-flashing electronic message boards on town-controlled land on Route 1.

In light of casino mogul visit to Foxborough this week, some residents feared approving the measure would begin Route 1's transformation into looking like Las Vegas.

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"Electronic signs are here to stay, but that was before Wynn's visit to Foxborough," said resident Stephanie Crimmins.

Crimmins noted that she was in support of this measure until news broke of Wynn's meeting with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

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"That was before, then it came together for me and for the land opportunity on Route 1," she said. "For our town, building a casino is not in the town's best interest."

Crimmins' comments to the auditorium were met with a combination of cheers and boo's, as some residents believed the conversation was being steered of course.

Some residents supported the idea of electronic signs, noting, "digital advertising is the way of the future."

Town Manager Kevin Paicos, understanding there is going to be strong opinions on the topic of casinos, assured residents that the by-law change had "nothing to do with a casino" and instead allow for a competitive bid on the sign. Currently the town splits the revenue of the billboard 50/50 with the Kraft Group, however that contract is up in April.

Paicos also noted that electronic signs could generate substantially more revenue than traditional. The signs also offer an option of emergency messaging including amber alerts, evacuation information and other critical information. Some members of the advisory committee objected to the concept of electronic signs in general.

The advisory committee recommended rejection of the article and advised the town to wait "until the comprehensive overhaul of the town's entire sign by-law is presented at the Annual Town Meeting in May."

( to read the full advisory committee positions on the warrant article)

After the town meeting vote, article 6 was defeated by a vote of 113 in favor and 177 against.


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