Upper West Siders Protest Non-Stop Neon at Duane Reade

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This Sunday, Upper West Side residents are taking to the streets to protest the new Duane Reade at Broadway and 72nd Street. They're not objecting to the mediocre service, or the mildly pandering beer bar, or the general sense that Duane Reade is slowly colonizing every last empty storefront in Manhattan, but to the giant neon sign that now illuminates Broadway 24 hours a day.

This weekend's protect is just the latest skirmish in a battle pitting local politicians and residents against the pitiless glow of constant signage. Back in March, New York State Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal denounced the sign, saying "The Upper West Side is not Times Square." (Rosenthal is a bit of an Upper West Side sign-slayer—back in 2010 she got Time Warner to dim the sign outside its store at 96th and Broadway.) Shortly thereafter, the city's Department of buildings ruled that Duane Reade was violating a low against "accessory signs" on the second floor.

But the sign is still there, hence this weekend's demonstration. My Upper West reports being handed a flier advertising the protest while exiting the Trader Joe's next door to the offending Duane Reade. Sponsors include Rosenthal and other politicians include Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and a host of local neighborhood associations.
· Upper West Side Duane Reade Picket Scheduled For Sunday [My Upper West]
· Duane Reade Launches A Beer Bar On The West Side [The Shophound]
· City Rules Duane Reade Sign is Illegally Bright [DNAinfo]