PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — Peachtree City is working to clear street corners of workers waving big signs for local businesses.
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The sign wavers can be seen all across metro Atlanta, sometimes in costumes, sometimes dancing wildly. Peachtree City wants to ban or strictly limit the so-called walking signs. City leaders delayed a vote on the issue Thursday night, but plan on making a decision in one month.
Peachtree City already has very strict laws governing signs around the area, but walking signs are not governed. Mayor Don Haddix told Channel 2 Action News Reporter Tony Thomas he supports a complete ban. He said the city has received a lot of complaints and believes the walking signs are a distraction to drivers.
"I can't think of anything more animated than a human being waving a sign," he said.
But some business owners are fighting back, saying the signs are the only way they stay in business.
Thomas spotted Jamison Clark standing near the corner of Dividend and Kelly streets Thursday afternoon, holding a sign advertising for local sub shop The Picnic Basket.
Clark said he's paid to hold the sign 20-25 hours a week and is hoping city leaders let him keep doing his job.
Picnic Basket owner Debbie Sanders said if the strict rules go into effect, she may lose her business. The Picnic Basket is not located on a major roadway, and she relies on walking signs to attract customers.
"That little sign reminding them that we are here and we are open makes all the difference," Sanders told Thomas.
She made her voice heard at Thursday night's city council meeting.
"This is the difference between me having a business and not having a business now," she told city councilmembers.
In an effort to find out more from local businesses, the council agreed to delay vote until May 19 and survey businesses in the area.
WSBTV
