State Politicians Want Joint Meeting on Digital Billboard

Rep. Paul McMurtry and state Sen. Michael Rush's office are calling for a joint meeting with Clear Channel and town officials in Westwood and Dedham following a Westwood Board of Selectmen meeting this week about the construction of at the University Avenue MBTA station.

McMurtry told that he wants to make sure the issues are heard by state officials, as are the concerns from both towns.

Clear Channel made a presentation to the Dedham Board of Selectmen earlier this month, but haven't formally given their pitch to the Westwood officials.

Clear Channel's plan calls for the construction of a digital billboard with a "slideshow" design, which would rotate advertisements every 8 to 10 seconds. 

The sign would be 14 feet by 48 feet, Clear Channel representatives have said.

As perks, the media company would offer to either take down three vinyl billboards in Dedham, or pay the town $25,000 a year for 25 years.

John Regan, Michael Rush's chief of staff, wants a joint meeting with officials from both towns, and acknowledged that McMurtry is sending a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Regan cited the safety study on other signs that has yet to be completed as a hurdle that needs to be cleared.

"We want to be assured of the safety of our constituents," Regan told the Westwood board.