Curb Address Painting
Personal Note: GMCA takes great care not to recommend vendors. GMCA is a purely volunteer organization. I am a volunteer board member and "webmaster". I believe that the website is for communication, and the more communication we have among neighbors, the stronger the neighborhood will be. If a neighbor takes the time to raise a point, it has a good chance of being published somehow here.
The March 30, 2014 note below can be found in the "Miscellaneous Comments Received" section of the web site. Now the second offering for this service came to our attention from a neighbor that had a "gut feeling" that something could be wrong. Turns out not, but the neighbor suggested a bulletin should be sent.
Readers: I am very interested in your thoughts about how this information was shared.
Please: Send me your thoughts.
The March 30, 2014 note below can be found in the "Miscellaneous Comments Received" section of the web site. Now the second offering for this service came to our attention from a neighbor that had a "gut feeling" that something could be wrong. Turns out not, but the neighbor suggested a bulletin should be sent.
Readers: I am very interested in your thoughts about how this information was shared.
Please: Send me your thoughts.
Two Curb Painters and a Neighbor Comment ...
March 30, 2014 - Curb Addresses (from a bulletin)
Several of our neighbors have had their addresses painted on their curb this year. As I ponder (only briefly) the idea that I may one day call for an ambulance, a recent comment received from a neighbor recommending a curb address painter hit home. Curb addresses provide an excellent reference to your home for everyone. My new friends will like it. I understand that first responders are a mix as to their personal preference in finding addresses. Scott Brenimer is painting curb addresses for us at a special price of $14. He says his materials are the best and are intended to last 5 years. We of course make no endorsements, but you can see him painting my address. He can be reached at 303-435-0683. (Neighborhood Awareness tip: Take pictures.) |
Near the end of June a neighbor sent in two photos of a notice she found on her door. She asked if this vendor shouldn't have gone through GMCA for something like this. We responded that she might be right if we were a covenant-bound HOA, but as a volunteer civic association it could not be enforced.
The first fact about this notice is that it is a marketing piece. It is noteworthy that payment is requested only after the service is provided. This fact seems to say this is not likely to be a scam. The likely reason our neighbor has a "gut feeling" about this notice is the presentation and tone: "City" - what city, what authority? "Recommended by Police, ..." - can't find evidence of this as a Lakewood policy matter for any of the listed organizations. In fact, the responses from individuals in these organizations are mixed. "... cost lives." - need an authoritative reference on this claim. I called Christopher McGraw and chatted for a while. He is a house painter who fills in his schedule wih curb painting. He's done curbs for over 20 years. He really couldn't name any persons or documents that would currently support his references to city or first responders. The marketing piece is his tool for introducing himself. It may stretch things, but it will get your number painted. |
And a thoughtful narrative from a neighbor:
I've had these curb painters solicit their business in other places I lived. None of the municipalities required nor supported curb painting. I'd be surprised if the City of Lakewood, Jeffco, or any of the emergency response services support or advise it either. While it may seem like a good thing, some questions to ask are:
What paint colors and material standards do they meet? There are federal and state standards for street markings and signs that curb numbers should meet. ASTM provides standards for paint materials used on streets and highways. MUTCD has standards for street markings. Nowhere I know is curb painting specifically discussed. If they use regular house paint, either oil or acrylic based, it probably won't last very long. "Guarantees" are only good if you can find the company when you need them.
Is the paint retroreflective? Are glass beads used? Can it be readily seen in the dark or when it's wet? What good would curb painting be if you can't see it at night?
What size are the numbers? They should be a minimum of 4 inches high. That's the standard for signs on public roads.
If it gives you a sense of comfort and additional safety and you have an extra $15 in your wallet, then by all means go for it.
I've had these curb painters solicit their business in other places I lived. None of the municipalities required nor supported curb painting. I'd be surprised if the City of Lakewood, Jeffco, or any of the emergency response services support or advise it either. While it may seem like a good thing, some questions to ask are:
What paint colors and material standards do they meet? There are federal and state standards for street markings and signs that curb numbers should meet. ASTM provides standards for paint materials used on streets and highways. MUTCD has standards for street markings. Nowhere I know is curb painting specifically discussed. If they use regular house paint, either oil or acrylic based, it probably won't last very long. "Guarantees" are only good if you can find the company when you need them.
Is the paint retroreflective? Are glass beads used? Can it be readily seen in the dark or when it's wet? What good would curb painting be if you can't see it at night?
What size are the numbers? They should be a minimum of 4 inches high. That's the standard for signs on public roads.
If it gives you a sense of comfort and additional safety and you have an extra $15 in your wallet, then by all means go for it.