Sep 17, 2005 By Steve Ferris 2 min read

The Uniontown Zoning Hearing Board has granted a special exception and a variance to Pierce Hardy Limited Partnership to build a permanent outdoor-lighted billboard at the intersection of East Main Street and Stewart Avenue to be used to promote downtown and community events. Board members voted unanimously Thursday to allow installation of the sign.

Mike Bukowski, director of Outdoor Advertising for Pierce Hardy, told the board that the billboard will replace a temporary wooden billboard at the same location that was most recently used to promote the 84 Lumber Classic.

He said the wooden sign will be removed Monday, but he has to obtain building and electrical permits from the city before the new billboard can be installed.

He said he plans to get the permits next week.

The new 10-by-20-feet billboard will be 10 feet off the ground and made of steel, Bukowski said, noting that it will be study enough to withstand 100 mile-per-hour winds.

“It would be nothing but community events … a community message board,” Bukowski said.

Pierce Hardy will own the sign and Commercial Center Associates will maintain it, he said.

CCA is Joseph A. Hardy III’s real estate company. Bukowski said

He said special lenses on the lighting will focus all the light on to both faces of the two-sided billboard.

Board Chairman Rich Lee said the city’s zoning ordinance prohibits lighting on off-premise signs.

Solicitor Ewing Newcomer said a variance would be needed for the lighting.