Penguins Banners Bonus Feature

Simulation by WTAE Channel 4 Action News Artist

Click here for the "Penguins Banners? The 'Your Move' E-Mails" post.
If you'd like to read the entire sequence of e-mails on which the story is based, click the "Read More..." link below.

I've removed the e-mail addresses of participants and added a few annotations. The following sequence was reconstructed from many separate e-mail exchanges, then placed in chronological order. The source material was in the reverse-order that's common in ongoing e-mail conversations. Typos from the e-mails have been left as is. Some of those taking part were apparently thumb-typing on their BlackBerries, which tends to result in more typing errors.

Again, if you're interested, click the "Read More..." link in the left hand corner, below.

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-----Original Message-----

From: Ismail, Noor

To: Tymoczko, Susan

CC: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Fri May 16 14:01:35 2008

Subject: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena


Susan,


I will follow this e-mail up with a call. A quick question for you. Penguins want to put up massive banners/signs for the arena to coincide with the games. The banners/signs may be equivalent to the Cleveland Stadium of LeBron James - it may depict a sponsor(s) such as Reebok, Nike etc.


Please call Ross Johnson at [----] and find out more about what they proposed to do - I am uncertain again whether this is temporary or permanent. Please walk them through the process, if possible. Time is of the essence for them given the pending games - and they would be interested to know what would be the fastest and quickest way to get this done. Keep both Yarone and me posted on the outcome. Thank you.


Noor Ismail, AICP


Director
Department of City Planning
City of Pittsburgh




-----Original Message-----

From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 2:05 PM

To: Ismail, Noor; Tymoczko, Susan; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]
Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Thank you very much. These will be temporary and his name is Ross Johnson, not Miller as I previously stated.





-----Original Message-----

From: Tymoczko, Susan
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 3:18 PM

To: Zober, Yarone; Ismail, Noor; David Morehouse

Cc: Ross Miller

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



I've spoken with Ross Miller. The current proposal is for two, 40 ft. x 100 ft. banners on private property each showing a player with a corporate logo as well; each to be located on a downtown building. I've requested to see a copy of the artwork; for the permit application we will also require the exact street address and a letter from the property owner authorizing the application. We have no provision in the Zoning Code for temporary signs of this type, and in the past we have sent similar proposals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Once I see the artwork I can make a determination on the type of permit that will be required.



Susan




-----Original Message-----

From: Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 4:19 PM

To: Tymoczko, Susan; Zober, Yarone; Ismail, Noor; David Morehouse

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Please find the banner images attached. The final size of each will be 40ft wide x 85ft high. The images will be printed on Ultra Flex Ultra Mesh Lightweight Supreme material. I am in the process of obtaining a swatch now and will share with the property owners as well as the city.



It is a perforated material that will allow light in and tenants can see out from inside the building. The installer has experience working with this material.



I have spoken with the property owner of PPG Place and we are doing a site inspection on Monday morning with the installer. They will provide an authorization letter and I will obtain the other necessities at that time.



Still waiting to hear back from Fifth Ave. Place...will keep everyone posted.



Ross Miller

Pittsburgh Penguins






From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 4:26 PM

To: Shields, Doug

Subject: Fw: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



As per our discussions. This may be happening, with proper approvals and process. Will need your help.





-----Original Message-----

From: Tymoczko, Susan

To: 'Ross Miller'; Zober, Yarone; Ismail, Noor; David Morehouse

CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence

Sent: Fri May 16 17:27:31 2008

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Reviewing the proposed artwork and given the amount of advertising copy included, I cannot say that these are approvable. There is presently a moratorium in place that prohibits approval of new advertising signage; given this circumstance I would suggest consideration of revision to the proposed artwork. I've just spoken with Ross and David, and they are proceeding with some changes.



Susan



----- Original Message -----

From: Zober, Yarone

To: Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor ; David Morehouse

Cc: Specter, George ; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Shields, Doug

Sent: Fri May 16 17:42:23 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



If the moratorium is the greatest of the concerns, I would repectfully ask Council to lift the moratorium with respect to these festive banners. I have spoken with President Shields about this and he seemed to be in general support, though he should be contacted to dicsuss their concerns.



From: Tymoczko, Susan

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 6:12 PM

To: Zober, Yarone; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]; Ismail, Noor; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]

Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Just a reminder, in addition to the moratorium issue, new advertising signage is presently not permitted downtown. I'd like to be able to see what's going to be proposed.



Susan





-----Original Message-----

From: David Morehouse

To: Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller ; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug

Sent: Fri May 16 18:34:33 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Just heard from Reebok and they said they are pulling out and the substantial investment from them is not worth it without their copy and that with the short window, they can't afford bureaucratic processes.



This is a shame and I can't believe we can't make this work.



I am very frustrated with this process.


----- Original Message -----

From: Zober, Yarone

To: David Morehouse; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George ; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Shields, Doug
Sent: Fri May 16 18:54:07 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Just spoke to Council Pres Shields. If we can come up with a collective quick solution, we will have all the support we need from both branches of City government and nobody will be caught up in a sign-gate.



-----Original Message-----

From: David Morehouse

To: Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug

Sent: Fri May 16 18:59:36 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



What is the solution?



-----Original Message-----

From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:04 PM

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins]; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Here it goes:



We need the law department to agree that by introducing an ordinance, zoning can rely on the introduction as law,



We need a majority of council (which we would have with pres Shields on board) to provide support for the ordinance as soon as tonight so that the sign can be manufactured,



We need an ordinance that effectively says: for the 2008 stanley cup playoffs, the following signs shall be approved.



If Law and Council ok this process, everyone should be on good solid ground to say that pens can proceed with production for installation when?



Need shields and law to sign on now.



-----Original Message-----

From: Tymoczko, Susan

To: Zober, Yarone; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug

Sent: Fri May 16 19:15:07 2008

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Would it be possible to do an ordinance that exempts these particular signs from zoning approval? They would still need to get building permits for the installation.






-----Original Message-----

From: Shields, Doug

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:17 PM

To: Tymoczko, Susan

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Why not do this relevant to the sites.IIe stadium areas. Also couched in terms of "temporay" banners.





-----Original Message-----

From: Shields, Doug

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller [Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence

Sent: Fri May 16 19:18:16 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



I think instead of zoning maybe we go with temporay banners.



From: Tymoczko, Susan

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:21 PM

To: Shields, Doug

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Do you mean, these signs are to be permitted around the sports stadiums? These are to go on other buildings downtown. Larry Baumiller will call you.






-----Original Message-----

From: Shields, Doug

Sent: Fri 5/16/2008 7:22 PM

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone; Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



I tink zoning is not going to get this done due to time associated from moving zoning law



What have we in the code on banners? We give permits for all sorts of banners. They a re for the most part non profits but we can amend to allow for our sports teams. The city has an equity stake in all of them that's for sure



This is on the books and can be amended more readily than zone changes. Susan?



From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:23 PM

To: Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Tymoczko, Susan;

'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Whatever works for you and at least four of your colleagues works for us. Susan and Larry have both indicated their approval if Council is on board.





From: Baumiller, Lawrence

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:23 PM

To: Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone;

Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



I think that Yarone and I have worked this out. What we can do is propose an amendment to the Zoning Code on Tuesday allowing "large temporary banners for regional events" and exempt them from the current sign moratorium. Since the signs are temporary, we can refrain from placing sign limitations on the banners.



This legislation will take effect immediately because of the pending ordinance doctrine associated with Zoning Code Amendments. I am on board as long as City Council agrees to pull the legislation after the Stanley Cup finals are over. That way, we won't have any lingering issues.



My cell number is [----] if you have any questions.



Thanks,

Larry



From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:25 PM

To: Shields, Doug

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Larry has also cited the fact that it can move ahead if council introduces legislation under the pending legislation doctrine- once introduced, it has the force of law. By the time for final vote, the issue will be moot and the legislation can be tabled.


From: Tymoczko, Susan

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:27 PM

To: Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone;

'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George; Baumiller, Lawrence

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



A lot of the banners are in the rights-of-way and therefore not subject to zoning - there are separate rules for them, not in our code. Longer term, we should probably get something into the zoning code that addresses temporary banners with sponsorship.


From: Ismail, Noor

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:29 PM

To: Shields, Doug

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



This has advertisement Ûn it and advertising signs are prohibited downtown. Susan and Larry were trying to work this out but the sponsors would not agree to this. Again the moratorium adds another layer to this. Susan is Ûn board if there is a way to address this legally


-----Original Message-----

From: Tymoczko, Susan

Sent: Fri 5/16/2008 7:30 PM

To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



I think it sounds like the best solution.



Susan




From: Baumiller, Lawrence

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:32 PM

To: Tymoczko, Susan; Shields, Doug; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins];

Zober, Yarone; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Actually, we could probably put a 30 day sunset provision in the legislation.







----- Original Message -----

From: Zober, Yarone
To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug ; David Morehouse; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Sent: Fri May 16 19:32:58 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



With Pres' support, we can make this happen. A penguins nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Woo hoo hoo. What say the Pres?









-----Original Message-----

From: David Morehouse

To: Zober, Yarone; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George

Sent: Fri May 16 19:35:35 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Yes. So now I can call them and tell them it's a go?




From: Baumiller, Lawrence

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:36 PM

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone; Shields, Doug;

Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Let's wait for a yes from Shields.



Lawrence H. Baumiller

Assistant City Solicitor



Sent via BlackBerry




----- Original Message -----

From: Zober, Yarone

To: David Morehouse; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Shields, Doug ; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Sent: Fri May 16 19:41:38 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



The other prez- Council prez...




From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 7:43 PM

To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Just spoke to Dowd who raised "issues". If we have Pres Shields in Pittsburgh's corner, then we can do this. If not, we can't.





-----Original Message-----

From: David Morehouse

To: Zober, Yarone; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George

Sent: Fri May 16 20:47:49 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Any confirmation yet? Printer is on hold and reebok is waiting.


From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 9:00 PM

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields,

Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; rmiller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



President Shields' phone cut out. Still awaiting final answer.



From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 9:44 PM

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields,

Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Lost Doug Shields. Can't proceed without knowing that he is giving go ahead.





-----Original Message-----

From: Zober, Yarone

To: [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins] ; Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller' ; Ismail, Noor

CC: Specter, George

Sent: Fri May 16 21:59:32 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Its a go from Council Prez Shields. He will confirm by email in next ten minutes. Good work everyone.




----- Original Message -----

From: Shields, Doug

To: Zober, Yarone ; David Morehouse; Baumiller, Lawrence ; Tymoczko, Susan ; Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Sent: Fri May 16 22:00:40 2008

Subject: [SPAM] Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



To confirm mr zober. Yes we wil find a way



From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:01 PM

To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Shields, Doug; Tymoczko, Susan; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



All right! Now we have to get an ordinance drafted ASAP. Larry or Susan- when can we get this done and what percent of banner is ad space?





From: Baumiller, Lawrence

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:01 PM

To: Zober, Yarone; [David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Shields, Doug;

Tymoczko, Susan; 'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Very good.



Lawrence H. Baumiller

Assistant City Solicitor



Sent via BlackBerry


From: David Morehouse

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:10 PM

To: Shields, Doug; Zober, Yarone; Baumiller, Lawrence; Tymoczko, Susan;

Ross Miller; Ismail, Noor

Cc: Specter, George

Subject: Re: [SPAM] Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Great! Now all we have to do is beat Philly. I'll tell Rebok it's a go and on behalf of Penguins fans, I thank all of you. If we are fortunate enough to make the finals, I think this will make pgh look great.




-----Original Message-----

From: Tymoczko, Susan

To: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Fri May 16 22:22:36 2008

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



They estimated that it was about 2.5 percent, for the reebock only.





From: Zober, Yarone

Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:23 PM

To: Tymoczko, Susan; Shields, Doug

Subject: Re: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



Great.


[Reporters note: the next e-mail is in response to the earlier Friday, May 16, 7:32 PM message suggesting a 30 day sunset provision in the legislation.]

From: Specter, George

Sent: Monday, May 19, 2008 11:00 AM

To: Baumiller, Lawrence; Tymoczko, Susan; Shields, Doug;

[David Morehouse, Pittsburgh Penguins]; Zober, Yarone;

'miller'; Ismail, Noor

Subject: RE: Banners/Signs Question - for the Arena



That is too long. It should definitely terminate after the Penguins' last game. Of course, there is the long-standing Pittsburgh problem, i.e., if they win the Stanley Cup, people will want to leave them up until at least after the Steelers' first game.


[Reporter's note: the following e-mail is from the mayor's acting press secretary Joanna Doven to Chief of Staff Yarone Zober. It appears to convey a question from a reporter.]

-----Original Message-----
From: Doven, Joanna
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:09 AM
To: Zober, Yarone
Subject: A.Gastmeyer Inquiry

How did the city get around letting the Penguins putting up a huge rally banner at 5th avenue place, with “reebok” all over it? What are the Mayor’s thoughts after the lamar issue?

Joanna Doven
Communications
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl


From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:13 AM
To: 'David Morehouse'; Mazefsky, Gabe; Shields, Doug
Cc: Baumiller, Lawrence; Specter, George; Ismail, Noor; Tymoczko, Susan
Subject: FW: A.Gastmeyer Inquiry
We’re going to pull the plug on the banner efforts. Even talking to Council has caused the following stories. Sorry for everyone’s time and effort. Maybe something like this could be done outside the City, where people know the value of Pittsburgh Pride over politics. Go Pens!


From: Zober, Yarone
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:32 AM
To: Burgess, Reverend; Shields, Doug; Specter, George; Ismail, Noor; Tymoczko, Susan; Baumiller, Lawrence
Cc: Mazefsky, Gabe
Subject: Thanks for efforts on banners
Ultimately, the City should probably have legislation that provides broader powers to suspend rules for temporary banners in the even of unanticipated good news for Pittsburgh (superbowl wins, Stanley cup, ticker tape parades (?), world series victories. Just kidding about the world series victories). Ultimately, this could have been fun, but not worth it on a fast track with a sensitive issue.

Yarone Zober
Chief of Staff
Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl
City of Pittsburgh