STATESVILLE, N.C. — An American Flag flying high in Statesville is one step closer to being approved.
On Monday, Statesville Planning Board approved a recommendation to Statesville City Council to increase the flag size limit from 25’ x 40’ to 40’ x 80’.
"The Planning Board’s recommendation is just that – a recommendation. It will be presented to City Council at its June 17 meeting as part of the request to amend the code. A text amendment requires two votes by Council before it can be enacted," the planning board said in a news release.
A proposed text amendment must go before the Planning Board prior to coming to Council. It also requires that a public hearing be conducted prior to consideration. The public hearing will be held at Monday’s meeting.
The massive 40-by 80-foot flag, seen from Interstate 77 as you enter the city, has been a hot topic debate for weeks now.
Officials with Statesville originally said the issue had nothing to do with patriotism. Rather, they say the size of the flag went against the permit agreement between Camping World and the council. According to the city, it also violated a city-wide ordinance.
Back in May, Camping World posted to Facebook claiming the city filed a lawsuit against them and is fining them $50/a day dating back to October 2018, which totals more than $10,000.
The CEO of the company flying the huge flag said he'll pay the fines the city is demanding but will not take the flag down. He said he's even willing to go to jail over this debate.
"The flag is not coming down under any circumstance,” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World. He’s being sued by the City of Statesville over a 40 by 80 foot flag flying at Gander RV.