[MassHistPres] Flagpole Height Proportional to Village Green?

[bgreg at comcast.net]

A group in our town is raising funds to install a newer and taller flagpole in our village green  The green is within our East Village Historic District and is the first thing you see as you enter the district.  It is a triangular green across the street from our most noteworthy historic house, a 1760 gambrel style colonial.   The current flagpole is decidedly small at 25 feet, and sits beside several 3-4 ft tall war memorials. 

The group originally proposed a 60 foot pole, which seemed to many as excessively tall.  After reviewing the situation and listening to abutters, veterans groups, and people familiar with the history of the green, our Planning Board went back and forth between 40 and 50 feet and in the end, you guessed it, voted to recommend a 45 foot pole.  The final recommendation before going to the Selectmen for a vote (the green is town property, therefore Selectmen dictate) rests with our Historic Districts Commission.

The 1760 historic house is 37 feet high.
There are several pines on abutting property which are 80 feet tall.
Most of the trees surrounding the green are 50-60 feet high.
The 5 or 6 trees on the green itself are 20 to 30 feet high.  
If my math is right, the common is about 16,000 sq ft. 

The HDC has no point of reference as to what is considered a reasonably sized flagpole given its surroundings. 
Any suggestions?

Brian Gregory
Boxford HDC/HC