Christmas 2009

Something is not right when people have to informed through a sign that Christmas is about Jesus Christ and not shopping.

Municipal zoning or other rules may permit installation of non commercial opinion signs if the signs meet the size, color, location and other prescribed criteria.  These yard signs are a tribute to our First Amendment.

However, some yard signs or commercial electronic message boards, in particular, that are becoming too common on higher speed roadways, are likely to be cause of distraction to some iPhone slinging motorists and may lead to traffic crashes.

Related Post: Unhappy with Kathleen Falk and Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Solon Ohio

City of Solon is working on amending its zoning code to include a workmanlike manner provision.  According to Robert Frankland, City of Solon Planning Director, the current edition of the Ohio Building Code does not require that construction projects be built at a minimum level of quality and appearance.   While Ohio Building Code does require that the structures be sound, it does not require them to be built in a workmanlike manner.

As an example Robert Frankland displayed a picture of a perimeter fence in Councilman Stolarsky’s ward that was not built in a workmanlike manner.  The fence had several horizontal and vertical panels which were not parallel.

The proposed amendment to Chapter 1261 of Solon Zoning Code will define workmanlike as executed in a skilled manner; e.g. generally plumb, leve, square, in line, flush, free from damaged or inconsistent materials, and without marring adjacent work.

The proposed amendment to Section 1288.02-Item 9 of Solon Zoning Code (Prohibition of Specific Property Conditions) will provide that construction should be performed in a quality workmanlike manner and shall not pose to health or safety threat, nuisance, or a diminution of property values in the area in which said structure is located due to the use of substandard construction methods, materials, or finishes as determined by the Chief Building Official of the City of Solon.

If these zoning code amendments are approved by Solon City Council, they may mean that failure to perform in a workmanlike manner may breach applicable regulations – even when there is no written contract ?  These amendments may not make the contractor responsible for every building quality issue.  The complaining party may have to provide evidence to define the standard of care and skill that would be exercised by and expected of a skilled contractor performing the same construction as the non-performing contractor.  The evidence could then show that the non-performing contractor failed to meet the defined construction industry standards.

Screwed by Katherine Falk and Wisconsin Department of Transporation!

“Screwed by Falk n DOT.  If Tax’s were income we would all be rich.  This land is government land.  This land is government land.  This land was made for Falk and government.  Think about it”, says the writing on the walls.

A few months after I took this picture, I noted that this structure was repainted, probably to make the comments go away.

I reckon the issue was eminent domain and the property owner was not pleased with the governmental efforts to take over the property.

I am fairly certain that resorting to this kind of protest, in some other countries, will very likely get you hurt.

A mammoth in Signature of Solon, Solon Ohio

A yellow sign in front of this house at 7381 Vahalla Drive, in Signature of Solon in Solon, Ohio had the website link to Williams and Williams, a real estate auctioneer.  The estimated value of this property according to zillow.com is $727,000.  The sale is on January 22, 2009 at 3 PM according to the auctioneer website.  Nominal opening bid was $100,000.  There were several homes for sale signs in Signature of Solon at this time and this was surprising.

Signature of Solon is near the intersection of Aurora Road and Pettibone Road.  Both these roads are two lane, physically undivided roads.  Aurora Road (11, 400+ vehicles/day, year unknown) has higher traffic volume than Pettibone Road (1,900 vehicles/day, year unknown).

Some homes in the pretentious Signature of Solon subdivision (Zoned R-1-F Golf Course Community) are likely to have one or more these features:

1. Too voluminous for the family and lot size.  Have you ever seen a 500 square feet walk-in closet?
2. Somewhat similar looking exteriors despite the multiple roof lines.
3. Awful 2 story/cathedral/elevator shaft living room ceilings typically seen in McMansions.
4. Sub par single flight staircases with poor riser and tread dimensions.
5. Few trees in the front yard.
6. Large sunlight inviting windows that also degrade the appearance of  living room furniture and electronics.
7. Cul-de-sacs.
8. Good construction quality.
9. Good construction material quality.
10. Highly educated neighbors.