The group of neighbors has explored the ways it could fight to get the paint job removed, including how it could be seen as graffiti under city code, how it could violate signage laws and how it fails to fit in with the character of the neighborhood. Doll also argues that it is a public safety issue and an obvious public nuisance because of the waves of news vans and curious onlookers who have visited the narrow road to catch a glimpse of the house. — LA Times
This week, media headlines were littered with coverage of the trending "Pink Emoji House" in Manhattan Beach, California, an eye-catching home painted with a pair of hilarious emoji characters. The murals may appear like any other "Instagramable" site, except this specific "beautification project" is actually the product of a neighborhood feud.
The Los Angeles Times reports, "the paint job appeared shortly after Kathryn Kidd was found in violation of the city's rental laws and was fined $4,000. Kidd told Easy Reader News that the emojis were not intended to mock Wieland (neighbor) and that although people were entitled to their opinions, she was not in violation of any laws."
Kidd told The Los Angeles Times, “I’m trying not to offend anybody,” adding, “I did it for the purpose of being happy, being positive, and I think it’s cute and quirky and kind of funny, and certainly was a time for the emoji.” Her neighbors aren't buying it, though, and are instead turning to the local city council for stronger regulations and enforcement.
The Times spoke with a some residents as they shared their concerns and struggles. "It's almost like they're afraid of her. And we really feel it is our city's responsibility to have these regulations in place because people can do anything," shares one resident. "That's the most frightening thing. I feel like we're not being protected against bullying."
The council has acknowledged the situation, but they appear apprehensive on how to pursue the case. According to the city attorney, The Los Angeles Times reports, "the planning commission was researching what the council could do about murals and art on private buildings in residential neighborhoods [...] the city could adopt content-neutral regulations as recommended by the planning commission, which the commission will look into."
I've been waging a very violet war against developer beige in our house. Finally found time to repaint the 60year old wood door last month. Now my front door is a eye-piercing bright turquoise instead of whatever brown the previous owners felt appropriate. The wood steps and porch will be next in the spring...
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Average horribleness in the built world is acceptable, but when something is different the system needs changing. lol
The pink house looks 10 times better than the neighbours.
So now municipalities are going to adopt "content-neutral regulations" over exterior art? As if architectural review boards weren't bad enough ...
The real solution here is for the offended neighbors to paint their own houses in some creative way, improving the shitty nondescript neighborhood by giving it a distinctive identity.
I've been waging a very violet war against developer beige in our house. Finally found time to repaint the 60year old wood door last month. Now my front door is a eye-piercing bright turquoise instead of whatever brown the previous owners felt appropriate. The wood steps and porch will be next in the spring...
"hilarious emoji characters"
I hope that's deadpan snark, because those emojis don't elicit laughter...
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