JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is investigating the decision to allow IKEA to build a massive sign that's going up near homes on the Southside.
We've learned the city gave the company the OK even though the sign is more than twice what's usually allowed. Candace Hiers lives in the complex right around the corner from where Jacksonville's new IKEA store will be built. But what she didn't know is how big their sign will be.
"Wow. That's way too big," said Hiers.
One hundred and eight feet tall is more than twice what's normally allowed by the city. The top will have 3 sides, each 50 feet wide. Neighbor Ray Washington isn't opposed to bringing in IKEA and understands why the sign is needed.
"I guess they're trying to lure in people from the interstate," said Washington.
IKEA said the size of the sign is meant to give drivers enough time to recognize where the store is and get off the exit. Driving down Interstate 295 towards Gate Parkway, the sign would be seen more than a mile away. But neighbors like Zach Biffignani say they're planning to move.
"A 100 foot sign, I can't say its a huge shock, but it's outrageous," said Biffignani.
He's worried it will change the quiet character of his neighborhood. "Anytime you're talking about bringing in concrete, signs, it takes away from that," said Biffignani.
The IKEA store in Orlando doesn't have a sign. An IKEA spokesperson told us they do believe no sign is contributing to lower sales. The company said it's still on track to get the store built and open by the fall of 2017. The city councilman for this district says they didn't just approve this sign plan. It went through the proper channels and was debated. He said it was the right thing to do for that area.
Cox Media Group
