PRINCESS ANNE — American flag banners will be placed on downtown lamp posts after approval was granted by the Town Commissioners.

The Princess Anne Main Street committee in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce requested to display of some 30 to 35 flags and except for the support of President Lionel Frederick it was endorsed by the other commissioners.

Vice President Garland Hayward who represents the town on the Main Street committee moved during the regular March meeting that they be allowed with a second by Commissioner Marshall Corbin.

“This is completely funded by Main Street Princess Anne,” said Commissioner Joey Gardner, who along with Commissioner Orlondo Taylor voted for the request.

The banners are 18 inches by 34 inches and will last three to five years. With hardware and installation the cost is estimated to be $3,500 which Main Street raised on its own.

Although the commissioners at their February work session expressed they’d like some variety, perhaps some banners displaying the town flag or seal, they felt this was a good start. Mr. Frederick opposed it, calling it “frivolous spending” but did not vote against the request.

Later in the meeting during citizen comments Dale Parker representing the Concerned Residents of Princess Anne said this would be “littering the town with flags,” and the poles could be used for other things.

It was a former town manager after the poles were repainted who denied requests that banners and flower baskets be reattached because the hardware used at that time caused rust, something the Main Street committee will try to remediate.

Main Street Princess Anne is now accredited by the Main Street America program and the district was awarded $140,000 to help the small businesses and non-profits recover from the coronavirus pandemic.