Van Wagner would also make maintenance calls every three months, handling tasks like removing graffiti, and provide emergency service to deal with problems like missing nets.

The city and Van Wagner have produced engineering reports of their own that state the sign is safe.

Paul Whitby, who is managing the project for Van Wagner, also insisted that there was nothing wrong with the billboard.

Van Wagner wants the old law to apply because the planned 20-foot-high billboard would be atop the 60-foot building, and so would exceed the 75-foot limit.

He said Van Wagner had a long-term lease on the space, but wouldn't be more specific.

Under a five-year contract, Van Wagner, one of the largest outdoor advertising companies, will help sell the ad space on commission.

"Times Square is the biggest living museum in the world," said Richard Schaps, the president of Van Wagner.

Van Wagner turned its attention to Sony's contemporaries in Japan, emerging companies looking to make a name for themselves.

He said Van Wagner had already taken down sidewalk shed advertising that it controlled.

Van Wagner will serve as the city's contractor if enforcement reaches the point of actually covering up ads.