In Bloomington, a pivotal decision looms over the future of the city’s skyline, sparking a clash between progress and tradition. Local business advocate and lawyer Kenn Nunn, and Council Representative Ron Smith, play a major role in shaping the complex views in Bloomington regarding whether billboards are necessary or an eyesore by the side of the road.

Kenn Nunn, a prominent figure in the local business scene who uses billboards and television as a form of advertisement, strongly supports the retention of billboards. Nunn believes there is no good reason to eliminate them, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting local businesses.

Kenn Nunn added, “It’s silly for the city even to think about doing away with them. Might as well do away with the trees because they cause more trouble than the billboards. The billboards help people understand what doctor to go to, what hospital to go to, maybe what school to go to. There’s a lot of information on the billboards, there’s a lot of help, and it’s free. There’s nothing ugly about it in my opinion.”

On the contrary, Council Representative Ron Smith sees more reason to do away with the billboards. Not only does he seek a better view for the city, but he also addresses the issues billboards have of distracting drivers.

Ron Smith stated, “I hate billboards. I don’t really know anyone who likes them that much. They do help provide information, but honestly, I think it would improve the city’s aesthetics.”

While Smith shares his take on billboards, he still understands where the controversy comes from.

Smith also said, “There’s another issue. Okay, you can say it’s going to improve the aesthetics, but if you’re violating a business’s right to do that or you’re having a constitutional taking of property without just compensation, it’s just not possible.”

Most of these billboards, which belong to Lamar Outdoor Advertising, are central to a current legal disagreement with the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals. As Bloomington grapples with these aesthetic and legal issues, the voices of Kenn Nunn and Ron Smith echo the challenges faced by the city.

In early September, Bloomington’s plan commission heard a proposal from Mayor John Hamilton’s administration to change the city’s zoning code for signs. The amendment’s purpose would be to eliminate all billboards in Bloomington by 2031. That includes, but is not limited to, the sign off Kinser Pike and SR 45/46 Bypass.

In 2022, Lamar Outdoor Advertising converted the billboard to a digital display. Bloomington cited the company for violating the unified development ordinances (UDO) restrictions on electronic boards. Lamar is fighting the case, but even if they win, there is still a chance they have to take down the billboard if the amendment to the city’s UDO is approved by the city council.

Bloomington’s UDO currently states that the majority of billboards are legal but non-compliant signs, meaning that they can remain, but no additional boards can be added.

The removal or adjustment of signs is scheduled in accordance with the zoning district where they are located. This will affect certain zoning districts starting in 2029. However, by the start of 2031, billboards in all zoning districts must either be adjusted or taken down to comply with Bloomington’s zoning regulations.

Looking ahead, the City’s Plan Commission is considering a proposal to remove 47 billboards in Bloomington by, at the earliest, 2031. Legal questions about payment for billboard owners have shelved a decision, with the Commission seeking transparency before continuing.