BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The Select Board in Bennington adopted a policy this week on artwork and other displays on public property that was recommended after it approved the painting of a Black Lives Matter street mural this summer.
The board decided last month that no more public displays or signs on public property would be considered until a formal review and approval policy was in place, the Bennington Banner reported. That blocked consideration of a proposal last month by resident Mike Bethel to put two signs on the town office lawn proclaiming “Blue Lives Matter” and “All Lives Matter.”
The Black Lives Matter mural was painted on the street in front of the town offices on Aug. 30 amid protests and attempts to disrupt the work, the newspaper reported. The board has been reviewing and revising a policy recommended by the town counsel, which is largely based on Montpelier’s policy.
Under the new policy, Bennington’s town manager will review all proposals and the person or group presenting the proposal must find a sponsor on the board. If a person or group cannot find a sponsor, they may gather the signatures of 5% of town voters to force the full board to consider the proposal.
Town zoning, historic preservation, legal counsel and other officials also would review any plan. Proposals involving displays on roads would also go to town and state public works and highway entities for review.
Bethel told the newspaper on Thursday that he wasn’t “going to jump through hoops” to gain board approval, saying his plan should have been voted on without submitting an application like the Black Lives Matter mural was. That mural was proposed by a group of artists and members of Rights and Democracy – Bennington.
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