OUR VIEW: Leave the chain saw artist alone (vote)

This column often points out the alarming trend of Americans turning to local governments, neighborhood associations and courts in an effort to free themselves from minor nuisances that were tolerated traditionally as part of community life. Often a person will smile at a neighbor on the sidewalk one moment, and in the next call City Hall to complain about that person’s fence being an inch too high. Too often, these complaints are petty and reflect nothing more than a person’s need to exact power and control over others with the aid of authority.

The latest in this trend involves a handful of Manitou Springs residents who have no compunction about ruining the livelihood of Bill Fee, the owner of Nature of Things Chain Saw Art gallery. Fee has carved popular bear statues along the commercial Manitou Avenue for 16 years, but now a neighbor who has lived on a hill above his business has an extraordinary demand. He wants to never hear a chain saw again — even one muffled in a sound-controlled workshop. He wants city officials to make his dream come true.

“We want to be able to go outside, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, without being routinely assaulted by the incessant whine and buzz of a chain saw and other noisy power tools,” said Tom Lundgren, in Bill Vogrin’s “Side Streets” column.

Lundgren may have to move to the middle of a mega-ranch in Texas to achieve his desired level of tranquility, as chain saws and other power tools are part of urban life — especially for those who move within 500 feet of a commercial avenue. Tree trimmers work every day in American cities, running chain saws and wood chippers — even on weekends and into the evenings. Roofers pound nails. Framers run noisy circular saws. Street workers grind pavement.

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It’s not as if Fee hasn’t done a lot to appease neighbors, most of whom are thankful and have no complaints. He has created a sound shelter of straw, foam and rubber in order to contain the noise of his saw. He has agreed to run his saw only between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. He never carves on weekends or holidays. He is certain the traffic on Manitou Avenue makes more noise than his muffled saw, and some neighbors agree.

“The motorcycles tearing up and down the street are much worse,” said Lucy Mills, who lives in a townhome near Fee’s business.

“I’m definitely supportive of him being able to continue his livelihood with the current restrictions,” said La Rita Mason, who also lives near Fee’s business, speaking of restrictions Fee has imposed upon himself.

Others also describe Fee as a thoughtful neighbor, who has worked to quiet his business. The handful who want more won’t be happy until Fee cannot carve another bear.

City officials should tell them that no restrictions will be required, as Fee has already imposed reasonable restrictions upon himself. They should tell the handful who still complain that City Hall cannot provide for them an atmosphere that’s devoid of tool noises 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s an unreasonable expectation for those who live near corridors of commerce. Art is more important than full-time silence, and so is Fee’s right to make a living.

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