Canton Schools To PZC: Digital Signage A Sign Of The Times

CANTON, CT — It probably won't look like Times Square, but Canton High School/Canton Middle School's building could have some high-tech signage coming its way.

The Southington Board of Education Jan. 10 unanimously approved making a request to the Canton Planning and Zoning Commission to allow electronic digital electronic signs within the town's zoning regulations.

School officials said, currently, Canton zoning regulations don't allow for such signage in the rural community.

Such signs are becoming more and more common in the digital era and they allow for more announcements to go up for public viewing and be changed quickly.

Frequently, they're used by schools and/or municipalities, which sometimes place them in town centers.

In writing to town officials regarding the request, Canton Board of Education Chairman Lou Daniels said such signs are an important communication tool for schools and the community.

Daniels said he understood the electronic sign ban is an attempt to preserve Canton's rural character, but he claimed such signs are a critical tool to get announcements out to the public from the schools.

"Electronic signage for purposes of communication within the Town of Canton and Canton Public Schools is critical," Daniels wrote. "Signage will be beneficial for the Canton community as it provides a visual reminder of all events and acts as another communication tool with the town."

The Canton Planning and Zoning Commission next meets Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at Canton's community center, 40 Dyer Ave.

For the minutes of the Jan. 10 Canton Board of Education meeting, click on this link.

For information on Canton's electronic sign proposal for the school, click on this link and scroll to Page 17.