Swampscott Farmers Market, selectmen reach sign agreement

SWAMPSCOTT – Farmers Market organizers and the Board of Selectmen may be seeing less of each other thanks to an agreement reached Monday that will ease the group?s advertising woes.Because of a bylaw that restricted sign and banner displays in the town, the request for a 10-day sign permit was an item on the board?s meeting agenda almost every meeting, said Chairman Jill Sullivan. But at Monday?s meeting, Recreation Commission Chairman Mary Webster had a different suggestion – could the signs be approved for 10 days a month in advance??It?s fine with me,” said Sullivan, after explaining the restrictions of the bylaw. “That would be perfect.”Sullivan admitted the language isn?t perfect, and that she helped to write it herself years ago when the bylaw was first enacted.Several other board members agreed with selectmen Matt Strauss when he suggested a town banner like that of Marblehead?s strung over Tedesco Street to promote town events.?I would love to see us do that across Humphrey Street,” Strauss suggested. “Have that be the de facto place for banners with a small town feel. I kind of like that.”Local consignment shop Big Blue Bargains was also approved for a sign at the meeting, with the board?s only request that they not be placed right next to Farmers Market signs so the town doesn?t end up looking like a Little League field.The Farmers Market signs will be displayed for 10 days starting July 2, Aug. 2, Sept. 2 and Oct. 2.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].