Man explains why he made f-bomb tram sign

Man explains why he made f-bomb tram sign

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Story Published: Apr 26, 2007 at 5:56 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2009 at 3:28 PM PDT

By Brian Barker and KATU Web Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - A homeowner who put a sign on his roof with an f-bomb on it, a sign that is clearly visible from the OHSU tram, may soon be hearing from the city.

The large, professionally-produced sign simply says "(expletive) THE TRAM" in large black letters against a white background.

KATU News talked with the homeowner, Justin Auld, to get his side of things. 

"Dissent is a healthy thing in a democracy," he said.

Auld said his beef with the tram is that he was told people would not be able to see down into his back yard, but they can, and he calls that a violation of privacy.  So instead of flipping the bird at the tram every time it passes by, he decided to do it with a giant sign instead.

"It's my property," he said.  "It's my sign.  It can't be seen from the streets.  The only people who can see it are the people I was promised could not see it."

While some think the sign is funny, others say it is offensive.

"I wouldn't want my kids to see that," said tram rider Jennifer Wabmitz.  "Fortunately, they're probably too young to really know what those words are."

Now the city has gotten involved and according to officials, the sign is against city code.

"Regardless of its message, a sign on a rooftop in a residential area is prohibited," said Art Pearce with the City of Portland.

That means Auld may have to move his sign, which he spent more than $200 on.

The city said it plans to send code enforcement officers out to take a look this week.

 

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