Comments on: Signs of the times: billboards, property rights, and the Enlightenment

By: Les

Les — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:26:12 +0000

Too bad the other Representatives in Hill Country counties don’t have the guts that Mr Casteel showed. We bought our land here in 1999, and even then the night skies reminded me of the views that I used to see in Northern Arizona. We were delighted with the apparent vigor that the people living here showed for preserving our beautiful heritage. Now, we see fewer stars than we used to see in a suburb of Kansas City. I firmly believe that individual property owners do not have the right to destroy a natural resource for thousands of other property owners.

By: David Lackey

David Lackey — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:13:38 +0000

Just got around to reading this blog in regard to the unsightly billboards. Just to let you know that billboards have been banned in Bandera County since late in 2005. State Rep. Carter Casteel sponsored a bill in the last regular sesseion of the legislature in 2005, which passed, banning new billboards in Bandera County (home of Madroño Ranch).

By: Louisa

Louisa — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:08:20 +0000

Billboards are synonymous with the death of the stars to me. When I was growing up, my dad and I spent hours star-gazing from the roof patio of the old ranch house. Outside of the house and the distant, dim outside light of the ranch manager’s home, the stars were the only illumination. On a clear night you could see deep into the universe.
Fast forward 30 years, and the stars were gone – lost in the light from Austin (over 60 miles away). But the golden arches on the McD’s billboard on 281? Clear as day. Another small, overwhelming death.

By: MM

MM — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:41:55 +0000

I am thrilled to see the protest against the lit billboards, but don’t focus on only rural roads. And don’t forget the new craze towards the scrolling or flashing digital signs. Take a look at Hwy71 between Austin and 281, it is a travesty and getting worse. Now we have double-decker signs. I applaud the idea to ban the businesses participating in the blight, and to let them know it. Of particular interest is any business that shines all night at the top of the posts, while reaping the benefit of a hill country setting, such as a vineyard or a “green” builder.

Speaking of individual rights, the lit billboards affect long-time residents that now see the glare. Those residents may be struggling to hang on to family property, have paid property taxes for decades, and now the value of their land is diminished. One individual that allows the placement of a billboard has affected many more individuals and property values within sight. Most of the billboards I see are either on vacant property or commercial property.

And don’t get me going about schools that are lit up like a spaceship all night and all summer……………

By: Isa Catto Shaw

Isa Catto Shaw — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:38:22 +0000

Now you should have been speaking at the Aspen Environmental Forum. This is a move forward! Always proud to be your sister by the way.

By: Tony Jowett

Tony Jowett — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:49:40 +0000

Wow Heather,
what a super piece, it will give me a lot of thoughts!
Very much appreciated!
Tony

By: Leslie

Leslie — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:08:26 +0000

Clarifying: the Missions and Metro Health are in San Antonio. This is a truly cosmopolitan blog.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:05:51 +0000

Oops, your warning comes too late for me. I had some Ziegen Bock at the Missions game last night–celebrating Metro Health’s Por Vida program… It was that or Bud. Mea culpa! (it was good though…)