Editor:

This letter is being written in response to the recent enforcement of the sign ordinance the City of Brentwood has in place. Up until the day the enforcement officers came to our plaza, I had zero knowledge of the ordinance. My business has been open for almost five years now. I have an A-frame style sign that sits in the courtyard of the plaza where my business is located.

This type of sign is not approved with regulation by the city. There are exemptions, of course (realtors, garage sales and sign spinners, etc.) I would like to be extended the same courtesy to promote my business in a time when all small businesses are trying to survive these hard times.

While I understand that signage was getting out of control in this town, with banners being hung everywhere they could be attached. By the way, banners are acceptable by the city with specific regulations.

Give other business owners the opportunity to comply with reasonable terms for displaying other types of temporary signage. I take offense when my 72-hour notice to abate references me as a “nuisance” for trying to promote my business. I am a small part of a large group of people that contributes to the economic growth and stability of Brentwood. I am not only a business owner, but a resident as well.

In my eyes, and many others who are in my position, it seems quite coincidental that the enforcement of the sign ordinance, which has the possibility to generate fees for the city, comes at the same time as six $16,000 palm trees and a $140,000 “Welcome to Brentwood” sign are erected. I guess somebody needs to pay for them. I don’t find it fair to try and squeeze the “little guy” – who already generates revenue and contributes to the economic growth of this city – for a civic center that is draining Brentwood’s pockets and creates no revenue.

Please stand up and take notice, councilmen, and seriously consider a reasonable amendment to the sign ordinance, because you, gentlemen, are not sitting in a very flattering light right now.

Gina Skelton, Owner, Tangles Salon