As we reported last week, Camping World officials were to be haled before local government over an illegally lofted American flag. While Camping World had hoped that the Greenville, North Carolina, city council would grant an amendment to the existing ordinance, city councilors were adamant. Camping World flag defiance lights up again: As in earlier Camping World “flag flaps,” the company is digging in its heels. Despite the council’s order, and flag flying penalties, the local CW manager says the flag stays.
Camping World flag defiance after council rules against it
The decision was rolled out last Thursday as the council made a unanimous vote to deny Camping World’s application to amend the existing Greenville ordinance. Council members agreed that the huge flag is both beautiful and patriotic, but they could not overlook that current ordinances only allow flags up to 216 square feet in size and a maximum height of 70 feet. Camping World’s flag is 15 times that size.
Weighing into the decision was Camping World’s lack of respect for the law. When the company drew the permit to install the flag pole, the permit granted a 70’ flag pole. Camping World dropped in a 130’ flag pole and ran up the giant flag. City inspectors apparently didn’t do a check-back after the permit was issued.
“Intent misconstrued”?
Camping World’s reaction, through its local manager, was this: “Surprised to say the least right, I mean again and I think it’s getting a little bit misconstrued on what our intent was,” Jim Foskey told media outlet WITN. “We didn’t intend to play a game or try to go above and beyond anybody.” Nearly doubling the flagpole height from what was permitted wasn’t going above or beyond anybody?
Fines could get big if Camping World drags its feet
The city now waits to see how Camping World will react in the long run. Should the company fail to obey the city law, fines will accumulate.
- $50 for the first day of the offense.
- $100 for the second day, or for a second offense within 12 months.
- $250 for the third and each subsequent day, or for a third or subsequent offense within 12 months.
So far, Camping World appears to be dug-in on the matter. Manager Foskey told WITN: “The directive right now is to keep the flag flying and that’s really all I have to say about it, just keep the flag flying and again the amount of responses that I’m getting that are positive versus negative, right now I’m 100% positive and zero negative,” says Foskey. Such a Camping World flag defiance could cost the company big time.
At least some veterans who attended the council meeting are siding with Greenville’s elected officials. Many said it wasn’t a matter of patriotism, but rather, Camping World’s violation of law.
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Thank you, Russ and Tina! Seems the council should allow them a month to comply. The accumulated fines will be small (~$7400) relative to the store’s likely revenues. Failure to comply by then should result in their business license being revoked and padlocking the store. I really cannot abide those who fail to play by the rules. Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂
The fines should be retroactive to the date the permit was issued. Camping World knew from the start what the regulations were and ignored them. Seems that they think since it’s already installed the council should just ignore the issue.
The council should block access to the property, if they own the road, and levy fines from the day the permit was issued.
Maybe it will teach Marcus a lesson.
Thank you, Bob! That will be an even bigger pile of money. It might even give CW pause … nah, probably not. Have a great week and safe travels!
Companies that do business have staff must become cognizant of state and local laws and community ordinances. With that knowledge they endeavor to conduct their business affairs in compliance. From what I have read, Camping World obtained a building permit and knowingly violated the terms of the permit. Being in contempt of the law, and failing in their attempt at recourse, it s incumbent upon them to now comply with the law. By flouting the law they deserve whatever consequence is imposed by the city. I have seen such a flag at another Camping World. It is obviously not as much a display of patriotism as it is an eye-catching advertisement.
What is the thinking behind Marcus’ wanting to defy rules and aggravate the communities he decides to install one of his Camping Worlds? Is it just a rich man’s ego? Many large organizations want to become part of the community and participate within the community.
He thinks he’s one of the oligarchs who feel entitled by piles of money to rule the world without being bound by governments. History is not going to be kind to the oligarchs.
Why does the owner of Camping World think this is a good business move? Does he think he’s above the law for some reason? He should not be allowed to flout the law and show disrespect for the community leaders his customers have elected. He can be just as patriotic with the approved size flag, but then this really isn’t about patriotism, it’s about his ego.
Plus, look at all of the publicity! Have a good night, Shirl. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
This appears to be a break the law and then ask for forgiveness. The problem with that is if they get away with it then it means everybody will try to break the law and get away with it.
I don’t wish ill will on anybody, but the contractor that poured the concrete foundation for this flagpole should have asked to look at the permit before bidding, and at the very least before doing the job. Contractors are obligated to do work per the permit and specifications and could also end up having their license suspended.
They have done this with every other flagpole they have raised. If they want to pay $250 a day for an oversize flag, let them. Don’t change the law.
Camping World is 100% correct by leaving the American Flag up in Greenville, NC. It looks amazing and is definitely not an eye sore to people who live in and love America!
Another cheap advertising tactic by Camping World, both with the flag itself and refusing to obey the law.
There’s nothing patriotic about this. Actually, it’s quite the opposite.
Go look at pictures of this. It’s a massive lot in a very large commercial zone. I bet if it wasn’t Camping World and you didn’t know the city government set their sights on this it would be a big nothing burger. But, Camping World is the devil on this site. So, rather than focus on government who increasingly forces its citizens to do and not do stuff, people focus on another boogeyman to go after and not the very concerning bully they should actually focus on.
Fair enough. However, CW has worked hard to earn public opprobrium, and they deserve it. I’d ask, specifically which laws you’re willing to flount, and which you’ll follow. I’m pretty sure that’s not how law works, but if you feel that specific laws should be crafted to mesh with your personal worldview, there are avenues for such pursuit. Call it “Larry’s Laws” if you wish.
Ftr, oppressive and burdensome government oversight and overregulation is coming to an end in 2 days, you should rejoice that the bully is returning to the basement, no?
Laws that individuals feel are “unjust” can be petitioned into retraction but not unlawfully ignored.
It’s not about bullies or boogeymen, it’s about being a respectable and responsible member of society.
If the business chooses not to operate within the laws of society, that business has no right to operate within that society. Give them a deadline to comply or shut down. Their choice.
There are no rules or consequences anymore.
Nothing more than a publicity stunt, again. I retired from the building industry. Codes, rules and laws are in place for a reason, most of them are for safety. The rest are for contractors and material manufacturers to become wealthy! LOL
Fly any size flag you want! Too many nanny state type of rules and regulations are like this one, those flag poles are engineered, and installed, at great safety design and expense. If Americans don’t realize there is so much over-regulation that affects everything from housing, to what kind of vehicle you choose, is causing higher costs, attributes to overall inflation and continues to erode Constitutional Freedoms!
Could you give us your street address? I’d like to install a wind turbine next to you. Thanks!
I guess, therein lies the rub. States Rights and local ordinances are a part of The Constitution as well, allowing citizens within their community decide how they would like things to operate. When an outsider comes into a community, they must decide if they want to be a part of that community, or not. As tar and feathers are now looked down upon, local laws have come about to keep the peace within the community. Sometimes we even have to compromise as to where to install the fence.
Marcus Lemonis is a marketing genius, in addition to being a grifter. He’ll spin it as being forced to take down the flag rather than just have an appropriately-sized flag. That’ll attract every patriotic-signalling American to his store and he’ll be happy to fleece them. If the US Capitol does’t need a flag that big then Camping World certainly doesn’t. (FYI the permanent Capitol flag is garrison-sized at 20×36 feet)
I agree with my fellow veterans who attended the council meeting that it isn’t a matter of patriotism, but rather, Camping World’s violation of the law.
The permit states 70 ft pole…yet Camping World installed a 130 ft pole?
That’s the issue. It’s not “patriotic” to simply disregard the law.
And just when did it become illegal to fly an American flag? I fully support Camping World’s right to fly any size of flag they want to. Then I think everyone who can should write in support of the CW flag, denouncing the narrow minded and illegal city council. They are ignoring the first amendment here 100%.
As a matter of fact here is the information to contact Greenville, NC mayor to tell him to support the first amendment of the bill of rights of America.
Mayor. P.J. Connelly 200 West Fifth Street Greenville, NC 27835. Telephone: (252) 329-4420 ; Mayor Pro Tem – District 1. Monica Daniels 200 West Fifth Street