Sidewalk Chalk Ads Banned Downtown

If you've been downtown lately you may have seen chalk signs on the sidewalk directing you to the Bohemia Too boutique. However, after tomorrow those signs will be no more.

Co-owner of Bohemia Too, Denis James, says that the City of Grand Rapids told him other businesses in the area have complained about the chalk advertisements in front of their buildings. So they told James he has until Sunday to get rid of all the chalk signs or he will be charged $100 for each sign.

Bohemia Too recently re-located from Monroe Center to Weston and Division. James says the chalk arrows help their customers find their new building. And without the signs, James says they may go out of business.

"Nearly everyday we have people come in and say, we're so happy we found you. We wouldn't have found you with out the arrows," James said.

According to city ordinances, signs can only be located on private property, and the sidewalks are on city property.

But James believes that with the support of the community and his customers, he'll be able to change the city's mind about the chalk signs.

He plans to address the city commission at their meeting this Tuesday evening at 7:00. It is being held on the ninth floor of City Hall.