Mayor: Pink neon, handcuffs legit signage

A neon pink sign with handcuffs for a bail bonding company on the square across from the Courthouse generated controversy on social media last week, but the mayor says the owner has met all requirements.

The sign for Robert Daniels Bail Bonding on Beacon Street falls within the bounds of City Ordinance 655 which governs outside signage on buildings, the mayor said. The sign ordinance does not address sign colors, nor is there a limit of what types of business may operate in that location, according to Mayor James A. Young.

A representative of the Philadelphia Historic Preservation Commission which governs the square and has certain guidelines for historic buildings could not be reached for comment.

“We talked to the business owner and he has met all of his obligations,” Young said about the city ordinance. “We have gotten several calls concerning the color (of the sign) and the message.

“But again, business is business. The perfect scenario for the downtown is retail and restaurants. But that didn’t happen that way. There are a multitude of businesses that occupy the traditional business storefronts on the block. It is not a restricted downtown. He has met the qualifications.”

The uproar on social media centered around the progress with Marty’s Stuarts Congress of County Music and concerns about the type of business and the image pink neon and handcuffs sends about the city. Some of those posts have since been removed.