Reiter spent more than two years working on a mega-plan that would have had one company build and oversee public toilets as well as all other "street furniture," from bus stop shelters to newsstands.

While the value of some billboards is expected to grow, the industry expects future revenue growth to come from what's called street furniture — kiosks, trash cans, transit stops and other civic necessities upon which outdoor companies can plaster advertising.

The silver-lining school of philosophy could no doubt find handy home uses for those big yellow boots the D.C. police lock onto illegally parked cars. They are, after all, a colorful addition to a block's street furniture, and can keep thieves from stealing your car. If you believe that, and want one of those boots for your very own, you can buy one at Phillips Police Equipment Company for $169.50 to $250.