The selectmen said they will review their sign policy during the next few weeks.
LUDLOW - The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday voted 3 to 2 to permit Harvest Bible Chapel to post signs advertising a planned free movie night June 29 at Whitney Park.
Wendy Provost of Harvest Bible Chapel requested permission to post signs at four intersections in town advertising the movie night which she said will be a free movie night with popcorn where children are welcome. The movie night will involve no fund-raising, she said, and will be staffed by a police officer.
Selectman Aaron Saunders said he is concerned there could be too many such requests to post signs by nonprofit agencies which are not affiliated with the town.
Saunders said that posting the signs requires time by the town’s Department of Public Works.
Selectman Brian Mannix said the town should have a policy regarding signs at the intersections. He said he is concerned about the size of the signs.
Selectman Manuel Silva said the building inspector will regulate the size of signs and banners.
Selectmen Chairman William Rooney said he is opposed to having signs at the intersection of Chapin and Center Streets where the police and fire stations are located because the signs can be a distraction to drivers.
Rooney said he would be in favor of allowing the signs at the Putts Bridge and near the Massachusetts Turnpike entrance.
“This is a great, free event, and I think we should encourage things like this,” Rooney said.
Selectman Carmina Fernandes said in her opinion “Events like this are fantastic for the community.”
Fernandes said she would support the signs for the Harvest Bible Chapel event, with the idea that a procedure for future signs be studied by the board in the next few weeks along with a possible fee for the DPW to hang the signs and take them down.
“Maybe we should charge a small fee,” she said.
Rooney said he would favor establishing a policy for signs at town intersections during the next several weeks.
The selectmen voted 3 to 2 to allow the signs for the Harvest Bible Chapel movie night.
Voting to allow the signs at Putts Bridge, the Massachusetts Turnpike entrance and at Whitney Park advertising the free movie night were Rooney, Fernandes and Silva.
Voting against permitting the signs were Saunders and Mannix.