Thegatewaynews.com - Letter: Sonic's sign troubles are troubling

I'm confused why the Sonic restaurant had such trouble getting its signs approved.

It seems the planning commission didn't know what they preapproved and doesn't think a certain shade of yellow is included in the plans of Streetsboro Commons (you've got to be kidding).

Although Wal-Mart and Defer Tire's signs are above their roof lines, apparently against city law, they were explained away as being considered on a case by case basis.

It sounds to me like the commission's decisions have nothing to do with laws or rules, but more with corporate clout, political pressure, or personal preference.

Although I sympathize with Franchiser Kerry Dechant's problem of having to deal with the egos inherent in small town politics, I don't have a vested interest in seeing a Sonic in the area.

What really got my attention was the statement by a planning commission member that Cracker Barrel didn't come to Streetsboro because they would not lower their sign.

Anyone with common sense should realize their sign placement is part of their western motif and national signature. I would be extremely embarrassed to admit publicly that I had anything to do with the decision to keep them out of Streetsboro.

I would like to know how many other brilliant decisions our planning commission and board of zoning appeals have made as a disservice to the people of Streetsboro.

I would like to see a list of the business applications turned down in the last two years, and the reasons why published in The Gateway News within the next month. I'm sure some of it would be legitimate. I'm also sure some, like the Cracker Barrel debacle, would be just ludicrous.

I hope this list does not contain names like the Olive Garden and Red Lobster. I think it's time to have a little oversight of this commission and board.

Rolland Newhouse

Streetsboro