The city of Port Townsend's crackdown on the Raccoon Lodge, an artwork attached to an old tree stump in Uptown, continues to stoke public outcry against city officials who have told Kevin Mason, the creator of the whimsical piece, to get permits for the artwork or take it down.

Here are selections from the 60-plus pages of comments recently sent to the city of Port Townsend on the Raccoon Lodge.

“Seriously? You are thinking that the beautiful tree poses a hazard of some kind????

It is the most PT style art that could be, and really represents the beauty of this community. And being a hazard, well I just can’t believe you are serious about this. what will happen? If the tree didn’t move at all during that last fierce wind storm, I think that you can rest assured it is well constructed, that tree (which has no more parts to fall down) is fine.

Please realize that there is enough public support to have this amazing art work and homage to a huge amazing tree remain just how it is. And leave the artist alone. There are so many other larger issues in this community that deserve your attention. Thanks for your concern for the safety of all, and realize that this is not worth PT’s time or money to keep pursuing.” — Rose Madrone

“This sounds like a vendetta or target. The city had best provide supporting data of the hazards expected to warrant the destruction and targeting of a beloved tree/artist.

All trees are potential hazards. I think the majority of damage has been done when the tree split. It is not obstructing anything. Perhaps the amount of joy the tree art emanates will counter the seemingly remote potential for harm. Common sense please.” — Sue Long

“Seriously? You would stifle someone making lemonade from lemons? Adding character to a stump? Common sense judgment, please. Listen to the community who supports creativity.” — Betty Winholtz

“I am writing in regards to the “Raccoon Lodge” that was constructed by a local artist and resident on Clay Street. This structure, while technically in violation of city of Port Townsend codes, is a sculpture which greatly contributes to Port Townsend’s vitality and sense of creativity and possibility. It is not a realistic threat to public welfare. Fun projects like these are why people come to visit Port Townsend. Please allow a variance so that this structure can remain as it is.” — Hans Barr

“The art tree sculpture on Clay Street should be allowed, even encouraged, to remain standing. It is a well-loved and sturdily crafted work of art that is enjoyed by many. Creative elements of our community are things that should be protected and promoted. Please save our art tree!” — Laura Snodgrass

“I would like to know what the city council intends to do about the outrageous harassing of Kevin Mason and his delightful creative art he lovingly built on the formerly sad stump of one of Port Townsend’s oldest trees.

Port Townsend is often described as ‘an artistic Victorian seaport town’ with good reason. The number of creative people who currently live here and have always lived here is an amazing gift, which the city council members currently holding sway seem to completely disregard or even view with open hostility.

People who have lived here for mere seconds feel they have the right to decide how solid long term Port Townsend citizens live their quiet unassuming lives.

Is Port Townsend to become one big HOA where people come by and measure the length of a persons lawn or determine what color they can paint their buildings?” — Julia Nunn

“I strongly protest the removal of the work of art that Kevin Mason has created. In my opinion, it surpasses most of the public art in the city that was chosen by committee and didn’t cost the city a penny. You should be thanking Mr. Mason, not harassing him.” — Eric Knudsen

“As a longtime (over 30 years) resident of Port Townsend, I am saddened by what is happening with regard to Kevin Mason’s raccoon lodge tree stump.

One of the aspects of PT’s charm is our eccentric art projects and our previous ability to express ourselves this way.

I recently visited the site with my husband we couldn’t find any reason why this tree stump and sculpture should be upsetting to anyone!

At some point in the past the city must have decided that the trees location was acceptable because the sidewalk was created around it!

The sculpture is securely and strongly constructed.

Therefore, why is the city making such a fuss about its removal?

Has our city become so gentrified that we must take away a charming sculpture just because it is out of the ordinary? We have watched this town grow and change and become less and less artistically eclectic. Most of the city government is comprised of people who are relatively new to town.

Many long time residents like myself are very concerned that PT is losing its charm as more and more people move here and bring their more mainstream ideas with them and standards about what is artistic and what isn’t. Obviously, if was truly unsafe or in the way, that would be another factor, but who is it harming?” — Sheryl Morgenstern

“I am one of Kevin’s neighbors. Everyone loves the ‘raccoon’ house that Kevin created when the magnificent cypress sadly died a few years ago.

I am shocked that the city has a problem with this art. The city has put up appalling public 'art' without any apparent invitation for public comment -- those pieces should be taken down (particularly the truly horrifically ugly raw lumber pillars that were left in random places).

Harassing Kevin is among the worst examples of the City wasting its own time and our money, and there are many such examples.” — Nicole Li

“Please find a way to save this fantastic, creative sculpture. It is a charming piece and is no threat to anyone’s safety. I’ve driven out of my way to admire it from time to time. Surely a variance would be possible.” — Lorrell Louchard

“Even without a protest, it seems incredible to me that the city would waste time (equal to money) on a quirky, unique artistic addition to PT. Whatever happened to the town of ‘We’re here because we’re not all there.’

If there is a danger, work with Kevin, not against him, to fix the danger.

And what about the lack of sidewalks, potholes all over town, constituting a danger to baby carriages, bicycles and wheelchairs?

I urge you to back out of the untenable unfriendly position you’ve created  and negotiate with Kevin IN PERSON.” — Libby Palmer 

“Kevin Mason’s Raccoon Lodge made daily walks more fun. Instead you commission giant industrial parts as ‘sculpture.’ Shame on you.” — Holly Gault