Have an opinion on a proposal to install banners on utility poles in selected areas of town as part of a pilot program intended to enhance civic pride, boost community identity and support local businesses?

If so, you may want to attend a public forum on the topic that will run from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road.

The banner program is being proposed by CGI Communications, the same firm that has provided the “Video Tour of Portsmouth” videos that are available on the home page of the town’s website. Like the videos, the banner program is offered at no cost to the town. 

The agreement would obligate the town for a minimum of 25 banners for a period over one year. Some nearby communities have adopted the program, including Fall River and North Providence. The banner would be located in areas with a higher concentration of businesses.

The banners would be about 5 by 2.5 feet in size, designed to town specifications, with the bottom 30 percent used for local business advertising. CGI will bear all the costs of the program and will provide all the necessary installation and maintenance including liaison and permitting with town, state and utility authorities.

The Portsmouth Economic Development Committee recently voted to endorse the banner pilot program.

“Even if we are skeptical of the merits of the program, something that has the potential to enhance community pride, while supporting local businesses at no financial cost to the town, deserves a try,” said Rich Talipsky, the town’s director of business development.

A proposal is expected to be presented to the Town Council, which will decide whether or not to go forward with the pilot program.

To learn more about the program and to comment, visit the CGI Banner website and the town’s website or contact Mr. Talipsky at rtalipsky@portsmouthri.com or 401/643-0382. You can participate in an online survey here.

A sample banner will also be available for viewing at  Town Hall.