Business owner forced to cover large 'Vote for Trump' sign atop building after city obtains restraining order over traffic concerns

A battle is brewing in upstate New York between a Trump-supporting business owner who erected a large “Vote for Trump” sign on the roof of his building and local government officials concerned about safety.

The city of Amsterdam, which is about 35 miles northwest of Albany, on Friday obtained a restraining order against a printing company called Sticker Mule, which is preventing the sign from being illuminated at night, according to local NBC affiliate WNYT . The company’s CEO, Anthony Constantino, is an ardent supporter of Donald Trump and formed a political action committee on the former president’s behalf.

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Constantino was forced to cover the sign after a Montgomery Supreme Court issued the order. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Local officials say the 100-foot-wide sign presents a “dangerous distraction” and could ensnarl traffic or cause accidents because of people stopping to take pictures of the sign, the order obtained by UPI reportedly said. The city also reportedly said the sign violates city code which says any business sigs must relate to the business itself.

Sticker Mule is housed in a factory building that is several stories high. The sign is prevalent among the city’s skyline.

“It’s a picture opportunity. Today, people with cell phones slowing down, pulling off the side of the road. Our biggest concern was traffic safety,“ Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti told WNYT.

Amsterdam said Constantino’s PAC came to the city in August about the sign, and the city warned that it would violate code. Constantino erected the sign anyway. It went up last week. He even invited the public to an “official lighting ceremony” at the building at 26 Elk Street scheduled for Monday night.

Constantino sent the following statement to local media outlets :

I made a beautiful sign, designed by local artists, to bring much needed enthusiasm to Upstate, NY which is what we need to re-ignite economic growth. The sign symbolizes the return of manufacturing to America and elevates the skyline of our hometown. Whether you’re Democrat or Republican, it’s a tourist attraction that will bring economic activity to Amsterdam, NY making it a big win for everyone. Only highly partisan and short-sighted politicians would take issue with it.

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