CORONADO - In Coronado, American flags line the main street and hang in nearly every front porch. Yet, a proposed flag in a historical part of the island is causing some controversy.

For the last two years, support has been gathering for a flag to be raised near Centennial Park. The area was once the ferry landing that connected the island to the mainland. The park is at the end of Orange Avenue and opens up to a magnificent view of the San Diego skyline.

Considering the place's history and the amount of ships that sail past the area, supporters of the flag decided that location would be the perfect spot.              

"I cannot image a thing more wonderful at the end of Orange Avenue than that large flag," said Adm. Edward Martin, a longtime Coronado resident who supports the flag.

Large is not an exaggeration. The flag pole would be 60 feet tall and hold the 18-by-12-foot flag. The flag will also be lit at night to keep it visible all the time. 

"It's approximately the size of my living room," said Marilyn Field.

She lives just a few feet from where the flag would go up. Field and other Coronado residents who have a waterfront view say this is not an issue of patriotism.

"I love the flag and I consider myself a patriotic American," said Field. "I'm the kind of girl that chokes up at Fourth of July parades. This is not about whether you love the flag. This is about what putting a flag in the middle of (Centennial Park) will do to our view."

Centennial Park is in what is called a "protected corridor." Buildings, lamp posts and trees have all gone through an approval process by the city of Coronado to make sure they do not block the world-famous view.

Martin said that the flag will enhance the view of the skyline. He is part of the group asking the Port of San Diego to allow the flag on its patch by the water.

"This is what I would call 'nimbyism'… not in my backyard," said Martin. "They would love to have a flag, but they would love to have it someplace else."

While Martin said he would not mind moving the location of the flag site, he said it is not an option. He said the donor giving the $40,000 for the flag will not compromise.

"The donor has stated in writing that if this location is changed, he will withdraw his offer," said Martin.        

That leaves the Port of San Diego to sort things out before making the final decision. The port would not say when that will happen.