New Site Found For Community Event Banners

The has identified a possible new location for the cross-street banners that promote community events - a pole recently erected on Tedesco Street, adjacent to the where few pedestrians might be struck accidentally by distracted drivers.

The department's General Manager, Robert Jolly, has been searching for a new location for the banners since an earlier plan to install a new pole on Atlantic Avenue was  nixed because the location for the pole would have hit a six-foot tall storm water drain below the surface.

The new site will still have to be approved by Town Administrator Tony Sasso and the . Jolly told his board he liked the site because Tedesco is a well-traveled street for cars, but not for pedestrians.

Some light board members questioned the Tedesco site because it would put the banners on the outskirts of town where some residents would not see them. However, Jolly said he thought the street to Vinnin Square was well-traveled by Marblehead residents.

The banners, which once spanned Pleasant Street near the firehouse, were banned last year for fear that they might distract drivers. The banners were prohibited in the aftermath of the community concern for pedestrian safety following the death of 15-year-old Allie Castner.

The Selectmen have since authorized the search for a new banner location. Until last year, Marblehead drivers were alerted to upcoming community events with the banners.

The has wanted the town to renew the use of the banners as “a significant marketing tool" for town events. Chamber Executive Director Ann Marie Casey said the chamber has about $15,000 to $20,000 invested in banners stored in the chamber's attic.

She said recently that if she had her choice, the banners would be erected on Lafayette Street near the Salem line because it is one of the main entrances to Marblehead.

Though both Sasso and Jolly said they do not like that location because the street is too wide and traffic moves along that roadway too quickly.