I ask the town to go easy on its businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. If there is a dispute on the historical correctness of additions to the exterior of a business, I suggest making a signed agreement with that business owner to suspend all fines enforcement for the time being until a specific date, when the devastation of the pandemic has retreated — January 1, 2022 is a good date date for such a “deadline.”

Five eating place have closed — Bistro 112, Domestic, Town Run Tap House & Community Pub, Pressed Flour and Hecho En Mexico — with more closings likely coming this winter. The business, the Lost Dog, has seen a winter decline very recently that truly threatens its survival. The Lost Dog has served the town and region very well for 20-plus years with highly innovative, top-quality creative service and beverages.

If ever there was a time to work together, this is it.

Jim Surkamp, of Shepherdstown