A majority of those responding to this week’s online poll thought Petaluma’s sign code should stay as it is and not be changed to allow shopping centers to install signs facing the freeway.
About 56 percent said the code shouldn’t be changed, 43 percent said it should, and 1 percent weren’t sure.
Here are some of the comments.
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“Petaluma’s sign code on the whole has been out of date for probably 10 years. The whole thing needs to be updated. However, signs on the freeway side of buildings need to continue to be prohibited. They are a distraction to drivers.”
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“Small signs at freeway exits showing names of businesses should be allowed.”
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“How much uglier do we want to make the freeway through Petaluma? It’s time to stop rolling over for the developers.”
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“Absolutely not! The current rules have been worked out with public participation and input and are serving us well. But I expect this Council to throw the public’s input out the window in favor of Target and any other big shot with money. This lousy Council is determined tol make Petaluma look just like Rohnert Park.”
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“Installing all the big-box rectangles along the freeway at Petaluma’s downtown entrance is jarring enough. Adding advertising signage to the mess would feel like salting the wound.”
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“I think it is time for Petaluma to pay more attention to the beautification of the town approaches and the freeway. The loss of so many trees has taken its toll. Signage is not necessary to attract business plain and simple. The signage for the auto mall and outlets have gone a long way in cheapening the look of our lovely town.”
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“No — Particulary since this is simply to accommodate Regency and its tenants. To suggest after entering into an agreement with the city and building the site that they now need to make another change is absurd. The center itself is an eyesore — it does not need to be made worse.”
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“No. Those signs would only add to the visual blight that would be caused by the Dutra plant.”
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“Petaluma has better ways of communicating the value of our commerce and community. Rohnert Park, Novato and Orange County have the signs.”
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“Properly placed signs will allow the public to be informed of what stores are in the shopping center. Could save someone not familiar with Petaluma from driving around to find a store for needed items. reducing the carbon footprint from car emissions.”
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“Regency shopping center is offensively ugly. It’s a monstrosity! I wouldn’t trust them to have any sense of refinement when interpreting a sign ordinance. Absolutely no on the signs! This town was betrayed when that shopping center design was approved.”
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“This seems to be yet another case of “gotcha” by a large company. I would hope and pray that at least a remnant of our lovely town remains after these corporations get through with us. The answer is no, definitely not, under no circumstances, never and what part of that don’t you understand?”