Judge Says He Might Send Billboard Back to City Council for Hearing

Last summer billboard company, Total Outdoor Corp., was given the approval to erect a billboard off Lowell Street in Peabody, but it was installed in the wrong spot, according to city officials and the original version of the plans.

Now as Salem Superior Court Judge Howard Whitehead again revisits the issue -- the sign still needs to be moved to the rear of the property and, hopefully, out of immediate sight along Lowell Street -- he may just send the entire matter back to the City Council.

The Salem News reports that Whitehead says he's considering granting Total Outdoor relief from his original judgment last summer, which placed the structure in the rear of the property based on plans submitted in court.

But instead of allowing the company to leave the billboard attached to the side of the building at 532 Lowell St., Whitehead may just send Total Outdoor's lawyers before the City Council to start all over again. The council originally denied the permit on a near split vote.

The Salem News reports that attorney Michael Ross argues, however, the city is unlikely now to grant a special permit for the billboard in light of the legal battle that has occurred over the past year.

You can read more on this story on the Salem News website.