Central Avenue Demolition Project

Here is a little “light reading” from Middletown’s Codified City Ordinances that some of you sane folks might want to peruse at your leisure:

(I would post a link, so you could find it more easily, but find it yourself!!! It’s enough to drive you INSANE!!! )

(2) No building or other structure shall be erected or altered in any other manner contrary to the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance.

Within the districts established by this Zoning Ordinance or amendments that may later be adopted, there may exist lots, uses of land, structures or uses of structures which were lawful before this Zoning Ordinance was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this Zoning Ordinance or future amendment. It is the intent of this Zoning Ordinance to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are abandoned, but not to encourage their survival. It is further the intent of this Zoning Ordinance that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded, extended or be used as the basis for adding other structures or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.

(b) Building materials.

(1) Walls.

A. One and one-half and two-story dwellings. All first floor exterior walls that are visible from the street shall be constructed of natural material (stone, brick, wood, stucco, cultured stone, cement siding or hardy plank). All other exterior walls areas of the dwelling may be constructed of other code approved building materials.

B. One story dwelling. All exterior walls shall be constructed of natural materials stated in division (b)(1)A. of this section.

Wasteful:

You stated:

I don't believe I have ever expressed such a stupid sentiment. If I have, please find it, re-read it and see if I was being cynical, or possibly trying to make a joke (and obviously failing in the attempt.) Also, sometimes I exaggerate to the extreme to try to make a point. Perhaps that could've been so in the case to which you refer?

Regardless, my statements in THIS thread certainly have nothing to do with structurally failing or blighted buildings, but were limited to taste.

Now, if the building to which you object are structurally unsound are infested, or are a danger to the public in some other way, or if they are operating in an illegal manner--those would all be legitimate reasons for concern and for taking appropriate civil (or perhaps even criminal) action.

But WHO is to decide on TASTE??? Will we have “Taste Police” or a "TASTE Committee” or simply a “Taste Czar”????

What if this “Grand Poobah” of taste decides that he doesn’t like the color WHITE on exteriors of structures??? Would THAT be okay with you??? [Note: This is exaggeration to the extreme in order to make a point!!! I do NOT advocate banning white paint!!!] And what if one then painted one’s white home or business beige, and soon after that Grand Poobah retired and his successor found beige to be distasteful and outlawed beige!!! Would THAT be okay? [Note:  I am NOT against beige paint either!]

What about bright red or yellow??? You seem to find those two colors distasteful in THIS picture that you posted:

 

BUT, do you find bright red and yellow just as distasteful in these two pictures???:

“I wouldn't use any of the services in these buildings just for the reason of what they have done to the outside of them, my own personal choice which I am sure you agree with.”

Of course!!! I absolutely agree that you have the right to patronize (or NOT patronize) whichever businesses you choose for whatever reasons you choose!!! That is your right, and it is none of my business except to support and defend that right!!!

But let me make sure that I understand. Are you saying that you would NOT “use any of the services” inside of either the bright yellow or bright red building above if someone got a proper zoning variance and began offering a service that you needed, and that you would make that “personal choice” “just for the reason of what they have done to the outside of them”??? Is THAT what you are asking me to believe???

If I have understood you correctly, I am sad. I think of all of the towns and even countries I have visited (especially in the south, and in the Caribbean) where you will miss a lot of wonder and adventure simply because you judge buildings by their color!