I'd say its more of a coincidence as I see those X's alot, especially around trees. Whether it means to cut the tree, or has something construction-related.
I believe someone already mentioned that exhibit, and has a friend that is working it. From what I remember, they have not seen anything.
Those X's are for construction marking. They are probably marking trees to be removed (as you stated). The fact that this one happens to be near a verizon ad is most likely just coincidental.