Monsey, NY - Ladies Chinese Auction Sign by Chaverim of Rockland, Worries Man from Ramapo

Monsey, NY - Eric Lieman, on a recent bike ride has noticed something in his residential neighborhood near his New Hempstead home.

On the corner of Route 306 and Viola Road, erected on three wooden legs, rests a large sign advertising a fundraising event, a Ladies Chinese Auction on July 18, for the nonprofit organization Chaverim of Rockland, which will be at the Atrium Plaza in Monsey.
"It definitely is an eyesore," Lieman said. "In a residential area there's no need for a commercial sign. This is abnormally large."

Town Attorney Michael Klein said the town's regulations for temporary signs are lenient. "The idea is to help organizations promote temporary events," Klein said. "The purpose was to provide a relatively simple and inexpensive way for charitable organizations and residents of the town to put up signs for a limited period."

Putting up signs on private property, like the corner of Route 306 and Viola Road, where the sign has been placed, requires permission from the landowner, filling out a form at the town clerk's office and leaving a $250 security deposit, which is returned when the sign is removed.
The town clerk's office has the deposit left by Friends of Rockland and permission from the property owner. The sign must be removed by July 25.

Klein said that since he began working for the town in 1986, this was the first time anyone has complained about signs. "People have not abused their privilege," he said. "Anyone can file for a temporary sign permit as long as they follow procedures."

But, Lieman said the sign near his Ashlawn Avenue home was excessive and out of place.
"It shouldn't be there. It ruins the aesthetic beauty of Rockland," he said. "Not that I like them on Route 59, but I could understand it there because it's a commercial area."