By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham is taking steps to address a pair of large, outdated signs near Interstate 65 exit 246, along with other old and irrelevant signs throughout the city.

During a July 23 meeting with the city’s business owners, Mayor Gary Waters said the city is navigating a lengthy process to address the signs.

“With these large signs, that is a huge undertaking,” Waters said.

Before taking steps to remove the signs, the city must work to identify the property owner, determine if the sign can be considered irrelevant and then give the property owner 90 days to either remove the sign or make it relevant.

Though the restaurant has long been closed, the large Shoney’s sign has been standing off Drivers Way for many years. The Shoney’s building was demolished several years ago, and its lot now houses Burger King.

The city also is working to address the large Ezell’s Fish Camp sign on Bishop Circle. The restaurant’s building has been vacant since the Pelham Ezell’s closed in 2009.

“Irrelevant signs have been a complaint from the city’s business community,” Waters said. “We just wanted them to know that we are taking steps to get those removed.”