News racks, to be specific.
City Hall has put together a proposed ordinance to “establish reasonable and uniform guidelines” for the “placement, size, quality and durability of newsracks” on city streets.
The ordinance would also enable the city to work with the Town Green Special Services District on the purchase of “multi-space kiosks” with multiple newspaper boxes, similar to ones found at Grand Central Station in New York.
The ordinance, which otherwise is modeled on a Hartford law, comes before the Board of Aldermen Monday for an initial submission.
“It is not the intent of this Ordinance to discriminate against, hinder, regulate or interfere with the publication, circulation or distribution of any printed material which is protected by the United States Constitution and/or the Connecticut Constitution,” the proposal reads in part.
“Uncontrolled placement and lack of maintenance of Newsracks in the Public Right-Of-Way, however, contributes to litter and can present a hazard to the safety and welfare of pedestrians, drivers of motor vehicles and buildings, and persons performing essential utility, traffic control and emergency services.”
Unregulated newsracks can only limit handicapped parking and access and, if “unsightly,” “constitute public nuisances and interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property by the community.”
Three-year permits would cost $25 to take out, plus $12 per location covered by the permit. “Removed and impounded” newsracks would carry a $100 fine.
Transportation czar Mike Piscitelli (pictured) was asked at a press briefing Wednesday whether the city would include not just newspaper boxes, but TV news screens and Internet news screens in the newfangled multi-box kiosks. He said yes. It turns out these kiosks need to be custom-ordered anyway, he said.
So… Any touch-screen company or other high-tech outfit want to sponsor a trial New Haven Independent box so people can read cybernews on the street? If so, contact us here.