Ugh another toxic blog. I think the issue was the sign, not the GIFTS shelter or some other hateful rant against churches. What is it about blogs that attract those who can not stay on topic???

About the sign on the Interstate (church)... this is the ugliest sign I have ever seen. I don't care if it's for a church, gas station, or any other business. It is ugly and annoying. The church is at least 1/2 mile from any exit, so I doubt someone driving by would say "oh, I must go attend that church because of the sign." I am sorry to those of you who thought it was an amazing sign. In my opinion, it's ugly.

I really enjoy the signs that change. They have the 10 Most Wanted in Janesville, and they can send out Amber Alerts, and oh yeah they help me remember how many days until the next holiday..

I am curious about the comment from proartist: "If not, take some of your time from volunteering in the program to talk to those residents who do. It may not be hurting ALL of Janesville but there are individual homeowners who could tell you first hand what it has done to them."

I am a volunteer of Gifts and I can't imagine what any neighbor could find negative about this program. Apparently you have appointed yourself to speak on their behalf - so what are those issues?

The one by the interstate isnt even remotely bothersome while driving at night. It doesnt flash, isnt that bright nor does anythgin to pull your eyes to it. Now the one on the corner of 14 and Wright road, that one flashes, overly bright, changes constantly and does bother drivers eyes especially in when its raining at night.

The only people offended by any church sign in Janesville are those who choose to be offended by the outreach of those they disagree with. They are the same ilk as the "not in my backyard" types who oppose jails, power plants roads, etc etc. Of course if they favor a public display for their own views that is different. Let me put in a plug for the new attractive lighted sign at St John's on Racine St. Oops was that Freudian?

Strangely like Janesville's issue but with a different outcome:

http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm...

Trinity Assembly of God of Baltimore City, Inc. v. People’s Counsel for Baltimore County, 2008 WL 314717 (Md. App. 2/6/2008).

The opinion can also be accessed at: http://mdcourts.gov/opinions/cosa/2008/2...

Proartist: Not in my backyard.

Hockeyjockey: Do you live beside one of the said churches participating in GIFTS? If not, take some of your time from volunteering in the program to talk to those residents who do. It may not be hurting ALL of Janesville but there are individual homeowners who could tell you first hand what it has done to them. In any case, the basic issue (i.e. churches not having to abide by the same zoning and other laws most other people and institutions must obey) because of RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act) STILL holds true no matter how you would try to change that legal fact. Anyone can research RLUIPA and all the cases across the nation that have sprung from it's very real consequences in hundreds of communities dealing with its results.

Proartist, when you mention the rotating homeless shelter, I assume you're talking about the GIFTS program in Janesville. Come volunteer there some night, like we have, and maybe you'll change your opinion of it. It's valuable and needed, and it certainly isn't hurting Janesville. It's a blessing for a lot of people who are much less fortunate than most of us.

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/hamilton/20...

I live right next to this sign on I-90 and it doesnt hurt my eyes. It was bright the first night it was put in, but it has been normal ever since then.
Im talking about the Faith Community Church sign.

Ok, so now you know at least one knew it was a church. :)

Maresyann,
While it is true that many know it is a church, I can't tell you all the times I've heard people say to me "oh, that's a church?" time and time again. I've had conversations with many others who've had similar conversation as well.

bibledude...I drive by there often. I knew it was a church by the other signs you have that you can see as you drive by at 65 mph. I don't have a problem with the sign but unless everyone doesn't pay attention, they may have already known it was a church.

I attend the church with the sign. I wanted to take a moment and address the valid concerns that have been raised here. The church is in full compliance with city ordinances. At first it was too bright and after the first complaint the intensity was lowered to BELOW requirements. The reason a sign was purchased is for a couple reasons: 1) Awareness- 100,000 people drive by there everyday and many are from the area. Until now they did not even realize the building was a church. Being on the interstate gives our church good visibility and we thought a sign would help us take advantage of that. 2) Commication- If the church has a concert or event it's a useful tool. Mainly, it is to people know what time the services are held and whether or not we are open in case of bad weather. The desire of the church is to be in compliance and then some. It is true that there are different regulations for churches then for businesses but it is not the church's desire to be treated any differently. Proartist and Prwtrip I hope this answer has help shed some light.

People need to PAY ATTENTION to the damage RLUIPA is doing all over the nation and what it has already done in Janesville. Signage is the least of what has resulted from RLUIPA (i.e., unlicensed and unsupervised group homes, the rotating homeless shelter, historic properties ruined, and more)! Churches do NOT have to obey the same laws and ordinances any other person or institution must abide by and yet, they can siphon money from the public taxpayer. RLUIPA's original intent was beneficial but because of it's vague language, it's implementation has led to nightmare consequences for many. There are hundreds of RLUIPA cases on their way to the Supreme Court but, in the meantime, the churches literally hold cities, neighborhoods, and individual families hostage to their whims.