Electronic Billboards City of Coatesville Catalyst Experiential

UPDATE: IT'S CATALYST EXPERIENTIAL NOT CATALYST EXPERIMENTAL. 

Also, you might say Coatesville residents can go to city council meetings & learn what's happening. Except that most people are afraid to go to Coatesville City Council meetings. There's a history of intimidating residents not going along with John Birch Society efforts. And a historical presence of drug gang members in the meeting room.

SEE:

Several years ago in the Lobby of the City of Coatesville City Hall I was surrounded by about 10 people screaming "Communist" at me. I had dared to say the City Council meetings were a place where individuals could get together as a community. I had no idea I was part of a Communist plot called Agenda 21. 

I think the story is the Coatesville City Council operates in an opaque bubble. Opaque to the public, because there is no press or media present. Now and then something spectacular happens and that opaque bubble is pierced.

“Catalyst Experiential plans to build three electronic bill boards measuring 15 by 40 feet, 10 by 30 feet and 13 by 30 feet, and had planned to include steel tridents fabricated in Coatesville that supported the World Trade Center. An outdoor amphitheater and veteran’s memorial are also envisioned. 

Mike Trio, city manager, and city council members, said that the tridents were never destined to be used for the sign project...” 

“Scott Huston, president of the museum board of directors, said he was “surprised” when the forks were included as part of the commercial plan. 

“It’s a major attraction…at Coatesville’s front door whether the amphitheater goes here or not. 

“When people enter Coatesville, it’s one of the first things they see.” 

Jim Ziegler, executive director of the museum, said the local steel work is something everyone is proud of. 

“A 40-foot billboard will obscure the view of the historic district—a gem in Coatesville,” he said. “We just want to be part of the community and we want the community to be a part of us.” 

MORE AT
Electronic billboards a 'done deal' in Coatesville
Bill Rettew brettew@dailylocal.com 

"CATALYST AGENCY LIMITED was incorporated on 29-MAR-2016 as a Private company limited by shares registered in Hong Kong. 

The date of annual examination for this private company limited is between Mar 29 and May 09 upon the anniversary of incorporation. The company's status is listed as "Live" now.  Catalyst Agency Limited has been operating for 3 years 3 months, and 29 days.  

Company Name: CATALYST AGENCY LIMITED CR No. 2353366 Date of Incorporation: 29-MAR-2016 Company Type: Private company limited by shares Company Status: Live Date of Annual Examination: Mar 29 - May 09 Remarks: - Register of Charges: Unavailable Name History: 29-MAR-2016 CATALYST AGENCY LIMITED updated on 2019-05-18 "

Senator Andy Dinniman 

Some clarification on this story:

1. The ultimate decision on the Coatesville digital billboard/amphitheater project is up to city council. I and state Rep. Dan Williams called this week’s meeting to inform and hear from the public because it seemed like there were a lot of unanswered questions and not many people (besides those on council) knew exactly what was planned for this significant piece of public land. 

2. While council members say the project is a “done deal,” there are additional approvals needed, including those regarding design elements and PennDOT permitting. 

3. Not mentioned in this article were comments from David DePetris of DEPG, the developer working on the Coatesville Gateway Project on the corner directly adjacent from the proposed digital billboards. He asked council to take another look at the digital billboards and expressed reservations about them as the current development plan calls for a hotel and two restaurants with outdoor dining immediately across the street. 

The meeting was an opportunity for people to learn more about the project and express their views. In addition, city officials backed away from initial plans to try to include the World Trade Center steel “trees” as part of the digital billboard/amphitheater project. They also committed seeking public input on the design aspects. While I understand council’s desire to realize revenue from the project ($44,000/ year according to a lease agreement), I do hope they will seek public input, involvement, and engagement going forward. 

Finally, I have concerns about three large digital billboards essentially serving as the welcome mat to the City of Coatesville, as well as their potential to obscure everything planned for the Lukens Historic District (including the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum). I have also seen and experienced how these digital billboard companies operate some municipalities and the impacts they’ve had on residents and local communities. 

Digital billboards do have their place in settings like Times Square or Las Vegas. In our area, they tend to be targeting motorists and drivers on heavily traveled thoroughfares and intersections. I have doubts that those proposed for Coatesville will target or draw visitors and foot traffic. 

It seems to me that these digital billboards are something you pass on the way to a destination. I think Coatesville and its revitalization should be THE destination.

TESTIMONIALS CATALYST EXPERIANTIAL : https://www.catalystex.com/testimonials/