Franklin Avenue Residents Speak Out Against Signs on Depken Field

Concerns in regards to using the fence at as advertising space by the were discussed during Tuesday night’s mayor and council meeting as some Franklin Avenue residents told officials they are concerned that the signs would threaten the beauty and safety of their neighborhood.

Jean Lindquist told borough officials she believed this would devalue their homes and cheapen the area which is across from the field as residents there already have to deal with lights from businesses on the nearby route 17. She said she hoped the board of education could find another way to raise funds. and borough code does allow them to use the fence for advertising signs.

Ralph Chandless, borough attorney, stated that it is anticipated that the board of education would use the interior of the field fencing to sell advertising and not the outside. He added that the use would need to be signed off by Police Chief Michael Colaneri who has already publicly stated that he did not approve of signs at that intersection.

Nancy Ellebracht joined Lindquist in her concerns adding  safety issues that exist in the area referring to two severe accidents which occurred outside her home. She also told borough officials that buses line up on the Franklin Avenue side of the field during football games which causes back up on the street.

“It’s hard enough to get out of my driveway as it is,” she said, adding that she always has a difficult time backing out of her driveway. She suggested that perhaps the buses can park down at the swim club on Oldfield Avenue. Mayor Rose Heck told Ellebracht that they will have the traffic bureau look into the situation as they were not aware of it.

As for the signs, the size of the would be at the discretion of the board of education but would be subject to the approval of the mayor and council and the police chief, officials said.

Councilman Justin DiPisa, who reminded residents he too lives in the area on Oldfield Avenue, also stated it was never intended to put signs up on the Franklin Avenue fencing and can guarantee that they would never see any signs when they walk out of their homes.

There was also discussion in regards to shielding the view of the field altogether from Franklin Avenue homes with options such as wrought iron fencing, to which funding is limited, or arborite trees however there is no space available there to plant them. Mike Kronyak, borough administrator, stated that Borough Engineer Ken Jobs is looking into fencing options the borough could consider.