Politics & Government

Fremont Residents Not a Fan of Newark's New Signs

The Argus reported that Fremont residents are upset about a newly installed electronic billboard along the Newark-Fremont border.

A new electronic billboard and automall sign in Newark along Interstate 880 has upset some Fremont residents, according to media reports.

The two signs, which measure 85 feet tall, comply with city and state laws, but Fremont residents told The Fremont Argus that the signs are an “eye sore” and have downgraded their neighborhoods’ “upscale look. 

Fremont residents also expressed frustrations over a lack of notification of the sign installation, The Argus reported.

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Longtime Fremont resident Barbara Kennan told The Argus that she now refuses to shop in Newark because the signs are “a lack of respect” to Fremont residents. 

“Why should I give them my tax money when they're going to treat us like this?" she said. "They're acting like, 'You're not our taxpayers, so we're going to do whatever we want.' I think that's very wrong,” Keenan told the Argus.

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Newark city councilmembers approved the construction of the signs in June 2012 and while Fremont residents were not notified, Newark Community Development Director Terrence Grindall told The Argus that Fremont city officials were and that Newark city officials were not required to notify Fremont residents.

The Argus reported that Fremont officials did write to the Newark’s city staff to note that the signs were of an “overwhelming size” and could “downgrade” the aesthetics of the surrounding area.

Grindall said Newark’s digital billboard signs were reduced in height to help reduce the “negative impacts of surrounding areas,” The Argus reported. Read the full report from The Argus here.

Most feedback about the signs from Newark Patch readers have been positive, with some readers stating that the signs help promote local businesses and events.

“They look good. Today I also saw the pretty fancy one for "Newark Auto Mall". Now if we could only tear down the 1980's sign that reads "Newpark Mall". I think Macy's, Sears, Bullington Coat etc would appreciate it,” wrote Samson Gichaba. 

Newark Mom added, “I like them. They are a great way to connect with the community.” 

Read more what Newark residents are saying about the signs by clicking here. 

The signs were installed by Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. and are expected to bring in approximately $120,000 in annual revenue for the City of Newark. 

What do you think about Newark’s new signs? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.


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