HANSON, MASS. (WHDH) – A Hanson resident has projected a Trump 2024 sign onto a municipal water tower, which officials have labeled a violation of city bylaws.

According to City Manager Lisa Green, city officials learned Friday that a local resident was projecting the political sign from their property onto the water tower at 228 High St.

Officials are currently working on a cease and desist order for the resident, as such declarations are not allowed on city property, she said.

“This misleads the public into believing that this activity is sanctioned or tolerated by the city,” Green said in a statement. “As a government entity, the City of Hanson does not endorse candidates for any office from any political party, nor does the City allow political signs to be placed on municipal property.”

Highway Department workers shined spotlights on the water tower to dim the projection, the statement said.

The lights keep Hanson resident Patrick Croghan awake at night, as he lives directly across the street from the water tower.

“The generators keep us awake at night. They were very loud, and that in my opinion was a bigger problem,” Croghan said.

However, he said he found the sign itself humorous.

“I thought it was ingenious and laughed and got a kick out of it, but I can understand why the city doesn’t want it there 100 percent just because it’s a political thing,” Croghan said.

Officials said the resident will be fined $100 per day until the projection is stopped.

“This individual’s actions have the potential to cost a significant amount of taxpayer dollars, including attorney fees, overtime to pay Highway Department employees to turn the floodlights on and off every day, and the ability to install stronger lighting equipment have to rent or buy,” Groen said. “The $100 per day fine is unlikely to cover these costs.”

Local Lisa Carson said she understands the city needs to keep residents in compliance with municipal bylaws, but she supports freedom of speech.

“The city must ensure that we comply with state laws and I believe that anyone has the right to place a Trump sign or a Walz/Harris (sic) anywhere they wish,” Carson said.

No one answered the door Monday at the house where the projection came from.

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