Council Says 'No' to Farmers Market Banner

Banners versus billboards.

The battle over using banners came to the floor at Nazareth Borough Council when Councilman Jack Herbst made a motion Monday night for using a banner.

Herbst moved to grant permission to the Nazareth Economic Development Commission to place a street banner across South Main Street announcing the Saturday morning Farmers Market.

But the council opted to vote against it.

Council members had brought up using banners in the past few months over their worksession and regular meetings. Issues were raised regarding safety and the fact that the banners get torn down.

At one meeting, Councilwoman Cynthia Werner said that farmers market organizers had hoped a banner would help draw more people to the Center Square site.

"I've asked about banners," Council President Dan Chiavaroli said. "Maybe it's time to look for alternative signage."

One alternative that borough officials may consider is using digital billboard signs instead of banners to help promote borough news and events.

Councilman Christian Audenried said that a reader board—used in conjunction with the fire department—would be an ideal way to announce events electronically.

Chiavaroli supports that idea.

"The board sounds like an option," he said. "They can be programmed every two-to-five minutes. But the initial cost is a killer."