At the meeting, the board asked that the earth be returned to its original configuration. There was nothing about the board's actions or discussion that passed judgment on the merit of the business.
The board did not comment on the ethics or intent or inherent value to the community of this particular business and business owner. Nor did the board chastise or penalize anyone for the unauthorized work on town property.
The board's actions were confined to dealing with the issue of unauthorized work in and on town property -- period.
The unauthorized dirt work happened at The Big Picture Theater and Café -- inadvertently. That business is a great establishment and an incredible asset to Waitsfield and the community.
Owner Claudia Becker has brought forth a remarkable renaissance of a property that has struggled for years. Partnering with Open Hearth, she is working hard to make the business successful and is incredibly generous in donating her private business space for public good, public gatherings and public events.
But the rules have to be applied even-handedly and fairly to all -- good business and bad businesses alike. The board asked that the dirt work be undone. It's no more appropriate for town property to be altered and dug out without permission than it is for an individual to excavate his or her neighbor's driveway or backyard without permission.
Becker is making great things happen at The Big Picture and deserves a lot of credit for her efforts. But that does not make the select board wrong to ask that town property be properly respected.
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