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Litter Sweep display now on private property downtown

COLUMBUS—After being taken down from Stearns Park last week, the “RETHINK” art display was put back up on private property Thursday. 

The display was placed at the corner of Mills and Hampton Street in downtown Columbus Thursday morning. 

Conserving Carolina Americorps volunteers are supporting Columbus Proud, the town’s month-long litter awareness project for Litter Sweep during the month of April. 

There are several trash pick-ups scheduled, including in the Town of Columbus and Lake Adger. The town has partnered with Conserving Carolina and GFL Environmental Inc. with trash pick-ups planned every weekend. GFI Environmental has placed trash bins at the corner of Mills and Hampton Street for people and communities to dispose of trash collected. Columbus residents can call 828-894-8236 for supplies. Others can call the local North Carolina Department of Transportation office at 828-894-8980. 

The display, made of trash and spelling “RETHINK” was removed last week by Polk County after officials discovered it did not meet the guidelines in the sign permit issued. The county owns Stearns Park and regulates what is placed there. 

There are no regulations for signs on private property. 

The county’s sign/banner permit includes that no banner can exceed 10 feet in length and 3 feet in width. 

Other regulations for signs at Stearns Park include that only 2 banners or signs can be erected in the park at any given time and banners or signs cannot be erected for more than 30 days before an event. 

Signs and banners at Stearns Park are also limited to non-profit organizations in Polk County, including government entities. No commercial or political signs are allowed.