Sign Regulation Bad for Business

To the Editor: â??City Makes Move Against Marquee Sign (April 1), concerning Duane Reade"sˆ East 86th Street store marquee sign, sounded more like a bad April Fool"s joke on taxpayers. Add the Department of Buildingsˆ toˆ the Municipal Art Society and politicians such asˆ Borough President Scott Stringer, all of whom wantˆ to increase outdoor advertising regulations. This is sad to those who cherish free speech. Perhaps all have forgotten about the Bill of Rights and First Amendment. If you don"t like the ad, don"t buy the product or shop in the store. Advertisers and owners will get the message. How ironic that those who would defend the public display of artwork considered by some to be pornographic are so quick toˆ censor outdoor advertisers. There are many small business andˆ building owners who struggle to surviveˆ due to excessive government regulations, property taxesˆ and rent control. They needˆ income from billboard advertisements to help pay these expenses. Duane Reade provides employment for thousands of New Yorkers, pays taxes and offers reasonably priced drugs and other products consumers desire. What"s next, more silly City Council legislation forcing all advertisers to get permits from the Municipal Arts Society and create the new NYC Department of Visual Arts? Why no outcry when candidates for public office, every campaign season, litter neighborhoods with thousands of their own posters illegally attached to light posts all around town? Have you ever seen any losing or winning candidate taking down this visual garbage after Election Day? What constitutes illegal versus informative advertising should be in the eye of the beholder, not Big Brother. Larry Penner Great Neck, Long Island Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.