I just wanted to comment on our downtown. It is really beginning
to look very nice. The only thing I have a problem with is that I
wish there was some kind of code about what kinds of colors can be
painted on the outside of the buildings.
City codes for paint color?
“I just wanted to comment on our downtown. It is really beginning to look very nice. The only thing I have a problem with is that I wish there was some kind of code about what kinds of colors can be painted on the outside of the buildings. Some of those bright colors are rather tacky and it takes away from the other buildings that are looking very nice.
Another thing is to have the old business signs that are still there after the businesses are no longer, and banners for advertising. It’s OK to have them up for a couple of weeks but after that it is unnecessary. Our downtown is really starting to look wonderful and I really do enjoy seeing the progress.”
Red Phone:
Red Phone contacted Planning Division Manager Bill Faus. He said there is a code that does prohibit certain paint colors, but only if the building has recently been subject to an architectural site review, if it’s a new building or if a significant amount of remodeling – more than 50 percent – has been done.
“If it’s a new building or if remodeling made it eligible for the code, then colors must be earthtone and blend in with their surroundings,” Faus said.
As far as old signs, Faus said typically when a building is vacated, the new owners would move them, but this issue is addressed on a complaint basis only. A flyer was recently sent out to all businesses that explained the rules for banners. In short, the code is that up to three banners as large as 30 square feet can be displayed for 30 days. When 30 days expire, banners must be removed for 90 days and then the sequence can be repeated.
If you have a question or complaint you can call the planning division at 846-0440.
Recycling redemption
“I’m just kind of curious about the recycling place that’s located across the street from the Longhouse Restaurant. I was just wondering what is required for certification or registration for certain places? With the plastics it’s a problem. I’ve brought No. 1 and they won’t take it because of the color. Same thing with No. 2. I thought if the recycling place that is authorized to take plastics, they should take the plastics that are stamped with the required number.
If I can’t take them there, where am I supposed to take them? Aren’t they required to take them? I would appreciate if you could find out where else I can take my recyclable and not be turned away because they are the wrong color.”
Red Phone:
Caller, the location you are describing is AMD Recycling at 150 Howson St. They are a business that accepts specified materials in exchange for money, therefore they don’t accept all recyclable materials. Red Phone called AMD and they said they only accept No. 1 clear plastic bottles for 90 cents a pound and No. 2 white plastic bottles for 24 cents a pound, if you have any other questions about what they take before you head down there, give them a call at 842-0288.
Now if you want a place to take all your recyclables you can drop them off at the San Martin Transfer Station, 14070 Llagas Ave., San Martin. Call South Valley Disposal and Recycling for a list of what you can drop off there to reduce and reuse at 842-3358.
When you arrive, you can tell the operator that you have recyclables. They take all plastics stamped 1 through 7, and you can drop them into a bin. Please remember to just throw the recyclables into the bin, not a trashbag or any other kind of receptacle. Julie Alter, recycling coordinator at South Valley Disposal and Recycling recommended www.earth911.org for any other information about recycling in and around the area. It’s a very helpful nationwide recycling locator. Just type in your zip code and explore.
