Should Albemarle County allow electronic signs?

The Crozet Volunteer Fire Department is seeking permission from the Architectural Review Board to replace its outdoor letterboard with an electronic sign to better communicate with residents about everything from bingo night to public safety emergencies.

Currently, besides gas station price boards, the only electronic message sign in Albemarle County that exists today is the one for SunTrust bank on U.S. 29 at Rio Road, which displays time, temperature and community announcements.

The ARB knows that any action it takes will establish a precedent. “Once you approve one, it will be hard not to approve others that meet the same guidelines,” said principal planner Margaret Maliszewski.

What are your thoughts? Should Albemarle County allow outdoor electronic signs?