Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board declines request to repaint U.S. flag in West Center Road, cites safety and etiquette
Summary
The Middleton family asked to repaint a U.S. flag in the West Center Road pavement; the board declined, citing repeated public‑safety incidents of drivers leaving lanes, pedestrians in the roadway for photos, and flag etiquette that discourages placing the flag where it will be driven or walked on.
The Middleton family requested permission to repaint a U.S. flag on West Center Road as had been done years ago. Board members said that earlier removal followed safety complaints: drivers had been leaving lanes to avoid the painted flag and people were getting out in the roadway to take photos. Terry Gould and Larry Southard cited flag etiquette and public‑safety concerns and indicated the board could not approve repainting the flag in the roadway.
The board suggested alternatives (Terry asked about a different patriotic symbol), but the Middleton family said they wanted the flag itself. The transcript records that Derek Poirier reiterated that the flag had been removed previously because it had become a safety hazard.
