Groton - The Town Council decided Tuesday to ask the Historic District Commission what it thinks of a request by Downtown Mystic Merchants to design and hang 19 banners downtown.

The merchant group asked the council for $9,100 to start the project, which would create 19 designs and produce 30 banners to welcome residents and highlight special events. The banners would be 2 feet wide and 4 feet tall and hang from the new light poles.

Rod Desmarais, treasurer of Downtown Mystic Merchants, said the banners would be at least 14 feet off the ground and would not interfere with the line of sight of motorists. No more than 19 banners would be hung at once, and they could also be used to promote area attractions such as the Submarine Force Museum, he said.

But at least two councilors said they’d heard from residents who oppose the program.

Mayor Rita Schmidt said people walking in downtown already see signs, tents, merchandise set up on the sidewalk and chairs.

“It’s just very cluttered and people feel that we’re just cluttering it even more and making it something that will be very unattractive and unappealing and will really turn people against Downtown Mystic,” Schmidt said.

Others said the merchants should be able to try the program. If the banners look cluttered, merchants can take them down, Councilor Rich Moravsik said. Councilor Bob Frink suggested supporting a pilot program of 10 banners at a lesser cost.

The council ultimately tabled the question until it hears from the Historic District Commission.