The City Of Burbank's Visual Preference Survey: "I Know What I Like When I See It!"

Meet the new neighbors

Yesterday I posted a little bit of info about Burbank's "Visual Preference Survey." I also included a couple of clear examples of what it is that people living in the self-styled "Media Capital of the World" did not care to see in their residential neighborhoods.

Today I thought would be a fine moment to bring a few more of these pictures and results out into the open. It really is quite a revealing look at what the unwary might find staring them in the face here on some unhappy day. Which is also when they will finally awaken from their complacency nap and live the dream. Or, far more likely, the nightmare.

And let's face it, with the kind of tasteless gaucherie being painstakingly plotted for the Stone House, One Carter and the Mater Dolorosa sites, not to mention all of those other crammed in confections we are seeing go up at those bifurcated "amoeba lot" projects, it is time every one of us took a long hard look at what could be on our horizons, and far sooner than you might believe.

And let's also face this. Some of this gaudy nonsense is already here. I am certain everybody would have their own special candidates for such a photo survey should one ever be conducted here.

I think it is important to point out that this Visual Preference Survey was the product of the City of Burbank, but done at the behest, and with the close involvement of, a resident volunteer group called Preserve Burbank (link). These concerned folks requested that this survey happen, supplied many of the photographs, with their city government - amazingly enough - joining in. Or at least amazing to anyone living in Sierra Madre.

Considering the amount of City Hall foot dragging we have seen here over completing the General Plan, I would think that an idea such as this would meet with the usual institutional resistance. Helped along by some behind the scenes coaching from the usual suspects, of course.

Hopefully our new and decidedly more responsive City Council could see the light should anyone ask for something similar here. I at least have that hope.

So here is what you will see. McMansions for the nouveau riche, and some nicer places, too. Along with those amazing survey results. Apparently hardly anyone in Burbank likes garbage development, either. And they were very eager, and even pleased, to say just that.



This entire City of Burbank survey can be downloaded by clickinghere. There is a lot that I left out, so it is well worth the visit. Forward the survey to your friends. I think they will be glad for the opportunity to check it all out.

Also, some folks yesterday suggested that we collect photos of Sierra Madre's own McMansion candidates and post them here on The Tattler. While I would actually prefer that the City do the deed (I know, fat chance), I am more than up for doing this here should downtown decide they do not want to play with the rough kids.

Send those pictures to me at sierramadretattler@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing what you've come up with!

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