Statesville is moving ahead with changing its flag size restriction following a fight over the size of an American flag off Interstate 77.
The city’s planning board has unanimously approved a recommendation to increase the maximum size of flags to 40-by-80 feet. That’s the size of an American flag at the Gander RV in Statesville. The city recently sued Gander RV’s parent company, Camping World, for violating its flag restriction ordinance. Statesville was seeking a fine of $50 a day going back to October.
Last year the city approved a maximum flag size of 25-by-40 feet in part to prevent displays of huge Confederate flags that have been hoisted in some areas in response to the removal of Confederate monuments.
The CEO of Camping World, Marcus Lemonis, vowed to never take down the 40-by-80 American flag even if it meant going to jail. The company is known for raising huge American flags at its locations.
Statesville’s mayor then said he would support changing the ordinance. The planning board’s recommendation now goes to Statesville’s city council, which will take the first of two votes next week.