Residents in Huntington Beach, California, have condemned local authorities, after advertising banners were hung from the city’s historic pier.
Built in 1903 and stretching over 500 metres into the Pacific Ocean, Huntington Beach Pier is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. The structure pre-dates Huntington Beach itself (the city, not the actual beach) and is a treasured landmark among locals.
The draping of banners for Volkswagen, Lexus and other such companies over the side of the pier, has caused outrage among residents.
Describing the signage as ‘tacky,’ Merle Moshiri, who lives in the city, expressed her concern that administrators are “franchising away the city icon.”
In a letter addressed to Fred Wilson, manager of the city, Moshiri wrote: “If they’re [the banners] not [taken] down, I’m collecting all my old pantihose and you’re going to see those toggled to the fence flapping in the wind, just to add to the ambience down there.”
Laurie Frymire, spokesperson for Huntington Beach, told reporters that local businesses wanted “some exposure” and city authorities were “able to offer them some visibility.”
Here at Sussex The Sussex Sign Company, we believe the location of signage is extremely important. Hanging banners from national landmarks may not be good for business.