I am a resident of New Milford, a town characterized by its unique local landmarks—one of which is the vertical CITGO sign. This sign has been a silent witness to our town's growth and story. It's a piece of our shared memory and epitomizes the local charm we're known for. However, this treasured landmark is now at risk, and without immediate action, we may lose this iconic part of our town's identity.

With increasing pressure from developers and insufficient protection from current statutes, our CITGO sign, and many landmarks like it across the country, are vulnerable to removal or alteration. In Massachusetts, for instance, the iconic Fenway Park CITGO sign in Kenmore Square narrowly escaped the same threat in 2016 (source: Boston Globe). 

We should learn from such near misses and proactively protect our town's heritage. Moreover, designations are not merely honorific; they offer critical protection for landmarks. In New Jersey, sites listed in the State Register of Historic Places cannot be "encroached upon" without prior state approval (source: NJDEP Historic Preservation Office).

Let's not wait till we're on the brink of losing this sign to take action. I beseech the town council of New Milford to collaborate with the new owners of the soon-to-be ALLTOWNfresh🌱 and work together to preserve the local CITGO sign and officially designate it as a town landmark, thereby ensuring that it continues to watch over our bustling streets and quiet lanes for generations to come. Please, sign this petition to protect a cornerstone of our community identity.