'Black Lives Matter' Draws Neighborhood Sign Controversy

A Concord family’s “Black Lives Matter” sign has created a controversy at Town Hall.

Johnny Cole planted the sign in front of his Pleasant Street home a few weeks ago.

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“Our neighbors need to know that we all need to participate in and we need to send the message that black lives matter,” Cole told WHDH-7News.

An anonymous neighbor then complained to town officials, claiming the display violates the town’s sign laws because it was put in public land in front of Cole’s home. Town officials agreed and asked Cole to move the sign to his property.

“The intent of the sign regulations, relative to placement in the public right of way, is to avoid the perception that the Town is taking a position on an issue” said Town Manager Christopher Whelan in a statement. “Residents are free to post signs with political or charitable speech on their own property as they wish.”

Cole’s neighbors have rallied. He told FOX 25 it was “disheartening” that one of his neighbors complained.

Photo: WHDH-7News