Billboards and the Cost of Closed Doors
The battle over electronic billboards in Homer, NY showed residents exactly why open government matters. When decisions are made behind closed doors, the costs go far beyond the issue at hand. In this case, it wasn’t just about billboards — it was about trust, accountability, and whether the Homer Town Board was listening to the people it represents.
How It Started
In 2022, a proposal emerged to change Homer’s zoning laws to allow off-site electronic billboards along Interstate 81. The idea quickly sparked controversy. Residents raised concerns about:
Light pollution and the night sky
Distracted driving and road safety
Aesthetic impact on Homer’s rural character
Lack of clear economic benefit to the community
Despite overwhelming public opposition — including packed hearings, letters, and “No Billboard” signs around town — the Town Board pressed forward with drafting legislation.
Where Transparency Fell Short
The process highlighted major transparency gaps:
Draft laws not shared early: Residents had to fight to see copies of proposed billboard regulations.
Consultants not disclosed: At least one board member admitted hiring a consultant privately, without board approval or public knowledge.
Unclear economic claims: The board suggested benefits to landowners and businesses, but never presented objective data.
Ignoring public input: While officials claimed “some residents” supported billboards, those voices rarely spoke at hearings — raising questions about whose interests were being prioritized.
These lapses eroded trust and gave the impression that the process was tilted toward a few well-connected landowners rather than the broader community.
The Cost of Closed Doors
When boards operate without full transparency, the costs add up:
Community division: Neighbors turn against neighbors when they feel excluded.
Legal exposure: Closed processes invite lawsuits, appeals, and FOIL battles.
Time wasted: Months of debate and drafting could have been avoided with open, collaborative planning.
Loss of trust: Once residents lose confidence in local government, every future decision is harder to make.
What Could Have Been Different
If the Homer Town Board had embraced open government from the start, the process might have looked very different:
Draft laws posted online for all to review
Public forums held to gather input before drafting legislation
Economic analysis shared with both residents and business owners
Clear disclosure of consultants and outside influences
Even if the final decision had been the same, the process would have earned more respect — and cost the community less in division and distrust.
A Lesson for the Future
The billboard fight is over for now, but the lesson remains: closed doors are costly. Open government isn’t just about compliance with law — it’s about respect, fairness, and building trust.
If the Homer Town Board truly wants to serve its community, it must make transparency the default, not the exception.
