Is it time to “retire” the banners hanging from the light poles on County Road?

Carl Kustell thinks so. 

During the meeting in September, the Barrington Town Council President said the banners are cluttering Barrington’s otherwise handsome downtown. 

Kustell said County Road looks nice — beautiful greenery, beautiful flowers, beautiful town hall. But the flapping multi-colored banners detract from the beauty, Kustell said. He added that the banners fail to serve their intended purpose. Kustell said the banners do not direct people to the shops or restaurants, but instead pollute the natural environment. 

“I’m always looking for ways to promote businesses. I don’t think this program is effective at doing that,” Kustell said. A short time later he suggested the future of the banners should be referred out to other boards and commissions, to see what they recommend. Kustell suggested that the banners be reviewed by the Barrington Business and Community Association, the town’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Board. 

Council member Braxton Cloutier did not agree. He said the banners were good for local businesses and believes they should stay. 

Council member Kate Berard said the downtown street scene in Barrington appears to be a bit cluttered these days. She said Barrington officials are having a conversation about the town in general and how it should look. She said she was in favor of referring the banners to others to see what they think. 

Most Council members said they liked the banners when they are used to recognize local high school graduates or Barrington’s veterans. 

Owner’s perspective

Brian Thimme, the owner of Bluewater Bar and Grill on Tyler Point Road, shared some information with the Council. Thimme said the local businesses pay $400 for the banners — the town does not pay for them. Thimme also said the banners are seasonal features. 

EDC Chairman Matt Amaral also spoke during the Council meeting. Amaral, who owns Grapes and Grains on Bosworth Street, said the banners serve as a fund-raiser for the Barrington Business and Community Association. He said shop owners pay to have their businesses included on a banner.

Amaral said the banner program is more than 10 years old, and when it was first approved by a previous Council, the business logos were much smaller. 

Over the years they have grown, said Amaral. 

Amaral said he still has samples of the banners that were used 10 years ago. He said they used to be more uniform. 

Amaral said he believes there may be a way to redesign the banners and still feature local businesses on them. 

A short time later, Kustell made a motion to refer the banners to the BBCA, EDC and the Planning Board for potential retirement, and use them only for special occasions, such as recognizing veterans. Kustell also called for the Council to consider new banners and other ways to promote local businesses. 

Humm seconded the motion, which passed 3-1, with Cloutier voting against it.