Last week the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners narrowly approved the electronic conversion of two billboards along U.S. 24 from Colorado Springs to Cascade.

The request came from Lamar Advertising, which owns the existing billboards. The signs received opposition from two commissioners and from Manitou Springs councilmembers, who spoke against the request.

"It's a distraction to drivers, and it's dangerous," said Manitou Springs City Councilwoman Julie Wolfe about the sign close to Cascade.

Other speakers in opposition of the signs, including Manitou Springs City Councilman John Shada, cited safety as well as concerns about preserving dark sky and the views corridor along the highway. The second billboard will replace an existing sign near Red Rocks Open Space.

"It's a tipp

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