Resident proposes telephone-pole banners on Park Avenue; council and staff discuss feasibility

A resident asked the Portsmouth Town Council to consider installing decorative telephone-pole banners on Park Avenue to help visitors and boost community pride. Councilors and staff discussed potential costs, ownership of poles, regulatory hurdles and neighborhood input, but took no formal action.

The resident, Miss Blake, said banners in other towns she had visited helped visitors realize where they were and showed community pride; she said a street-pull bracket costs about $50 each and anticipated quantity discounts for larger orders. Blake suggested Park Avenue because it is scenic and has sidewalks.

Council members noted several constraints. A councilor pointed out that Park Avenue is a state highway, and staff and council members reminded Blake that many poles are owned by utility companies such as National Grid or by communications companies, which could require approvals. A councilor referenced a prior study by Mister Tulipsky that examined pole- and light-pole banner options; staff said light poles in Island Park might be easier to use.

Councilors suggested steps if the council were to proceed, including checking the town’s sign ordinance, seeking input from neighborhoods through a public hearing, and working with the Portsmouth Business Association. Blake said she would work with staff on next steps; the council did not instruct staff to draft an ordinance or place the item on a future agenda at this time.

No vote was taken; staff were directed to work with Blake and relevant staff to explore options and return with findings.