With New Policy In Effect, Greenwich Selectmen Set To Discuss Flag Raisings

GREENWICH, CT — The flag policy that was approved by the Greenwich Board of Selectmen last September went into effect on Jan. 1, and the board is set to hold a first read on a proposed list of approved flag raisings for 2024 on Thursday.

The first Board of Selectmen meeting of 2024 is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., from Greenwich Town Hall on Thursday. It will also be streamed on Greenwich Community TV and Zoom.

After weeks of debate, First Selectman Fred Camillo and Selectwoman Lauren Rabin voted in favor of the flag policy, while Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan voted against it, during a meeting on Sept. 28.

Rather than institute a ban on flags except for the American, Connecticut and Greenwich flags — which Darien enacted in 2023 — or opt for a "free for all" policy, the selectmen pursued a hybrid option.

According to the approved policy, those three flags can fly over town-owned buildings.

Each January, the selectmen will review the calendar and propose a slate of "legacy flags" to be displayed throughout the year "which will be consistent with past practices and custom of commemorating certain holidays, nations, civic organizations or groups."

In the past, the town has raised flags for St. Patrick's Day, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Columbus Day and Greek Independence Day, to name a few.

Residents can also submit a request to the Office of the First Selectman for a particular flag display with supporting rationale at a minimum of 30 days in advance of the proposed date of the requested flag display.

The flags of foreign national governments that maintain formal diplomatic relations with the U.S. may be displayed in conjunction with official town events or ceremonies by resolution of the Board of Selectmen.

The policy also outlines what the town can do to honor the death of a town employee, first responder or figurehead.

Thursday's meeting agenda will be packed. There will also be a discussion on a new town noise ordinance. There will also be a discussion on fees for the Department of Public Works, including at Holly Hill, among other agenda items.

The official agenda was expected to be posted Monday afternoon.