The Willow Glen Resident Letters American's Air War Air travelers in our area should be alerted to the fact that American Airlines is planning a buyout of Reno Air. We have not fared well in the past with such situations. It should be remembered that US Air bought out our great local Airline, Pacific Southwest (PSA) and then replaced all their McDonnell-Douglas MD-80s with inferior Boeing 737s. Then US Air abandoned this area completely, leaving us with nothing. Reno Air features in-flight meals, advanced seat reservations and boarding passes. The competing airline features none of the above, and stacks you up like cord-wood. Personally, I do not like the idea of waiting at the gate with a large crowd, and then rushing up the ramp to see if you can find a decent seat. It behooves us to hold American Airlines responsible for upholding the high standards of Reno Air. Robert L. Smith San Jose Building Friendship In your Nov. 11 issue, Ron and Gloria Knapel wrote about their concern that the character of Willow Glen is being eroded by property owners who purchase older homes and "remodel" them into mini-mansions. As the Councilmember representing Willow Glen and a number of other charming and historic neighborhoods, I agree wholeheartedly. That is why Councilmember David Pandori and I introduced a proposal to require architectural review for construction and substantial remodel of single-family homes more than two years ago. The city council reviewed this proposal and referred it to the planning department to include in the update of the city's zoning code. Unfortunately, staff has been working on this proposal for two years. During the building boom of the past two years, I have received a number of complaints from residents who are alarmed by a neighbor's remodeling project. In the meantime, what can residents do? First, if your neighbor's construction looks suspicious, call the city and see if the project has building permits. If the project does not have building permits, there is a good chance that the property owner is not meeting all of the Code requirements that are designed to protect neighborhoods as well as the resident's own safety. Second, if you are planning to remodel or reconstruct your home, talk to your adjacent neighbors. Invite them over for coffee, show them your plans, and see if your project would impact their property. Let them know how long you anticipate the work taking, and see if you can make the construction process easier for them. I am amazed how many people don't talk to their neighbors before beginning a major remodeling or rebuilding of their home. If your home is your castle, the place to plan to live for many years to come, why not ensure that your tenure is peaceable there rather than angering the people who will be your neighbors for the next several years. Frank Fiscalini Councilmember, District 6 [ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Willow Glen Resident, December 9, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.