Local

Action 9: Church cited because of street sign

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A north Charlotte church was cited because of a street sign.
 
Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church is on Oneida Road tucked in a neighborhood off North Graham Street. 
 
It has a sign at the corner of Oneida Road and Graham Street with an arrow pointing the way to the church.
 
The Rev. Matthew Browning said the sign isn't for his members for people who need help and heard they can get a meal or counseling there.
 
"It's a beacon of hope," Browning said.
 
But the city cited the church because signs usually have to be on the property.
 
The church sign is not on the property. 
 
However, there are exceptions for off-premise signs:

  • The property owner is OK with it.
  • The sign is on a major road.
  • It's within a half-mile of the property.
  • The property has 50 parking spaces.
  • The sign is 20 feet from other signs.
  • It's smaller than 15 square feet.

This sign fails the last two rules.
 
Still, Action 9 checked with the city to work out a compromise and they said they were looking into it.
 
A few days later, the city called Browning to say move the sign 3 feet from the other signs and it can stay.

If you've been ripped off, overbilled or misled; or if you see something that is hurting all consumers, contact Action 9.