Stagecoach Observatory - Comments

Comments by neighbors and others
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These are all the comments we've received so far about the observatory, pro, con and neutral. Most of them are from letters, but a few telephone contacts are paraphrased in italics. Addresses which are in the neighborhood look like this (e.g., the observatory is visible from their house or street, 89% of them). Thanks to all who wrote generous and positive comments. If nothing else, this ordeal has allowed us to meet a bunch of very nice neighbors.

Extra special thanks to the few people who who are against it and were willing to communicate directly with us! We know indirectly that there must be at some others against it: Mr. and Mrs. Dubey at 1050 Camino Real 982-6476 (who submitted the appeal to revoke the observatory permit) and Tom Pitchford (quoted in the New Mexican article, or maybe Gerald on 1269 Este Lane at 820-1916?) If any of you know these folks, whether you are pro or con, it would be great if you could talk with them and/or get them to talk to us directly. The only other way seems to be through city officials, which is not a particularly effective communication channel.

We really mean to be fair to all and will try to keep this list up to date as we receive more comments. People are listed as pro, con, "=" (neutral) or Pro! if they signed the petition against it but changed their opinion from "con" to "pro".

As of November 15, we've heard from 190 people in 101 households, of which 89 are in the immediate neighborhood. The tally is 181 pro, 7 con and 2 neutral.


Comments about Stagecoach Observatory
last updated: 15 Nov 1999
last
name
first
name
pro
con
addresscomments
AbeeleCatherinepro 180 Valley Drive  
AbeeleWillypro
AndrewsPaulpro 1201 Arroyo Piedra  
AlderblickKimpro 1061 Camino Manana Shane and I attended the open house hosted by Dave and Dawn. We are in complete support of the observatory. It is an amazing resource and opportunity for this community, and Dave Weininger is extremely generous to make it available to us. (That someone would register objections first with the city before contacting Mr. Weininger astounds me.)
AlderblickShanepro
AndrenLarrypro 106 Barranca Road After the envy wore off, we both are pleased and proud to have the "Stagecoach Observatory" as a neighbor. It looks a little like a pueblo oven up on the hill. Seriously, it seems to me that the installation was done right, and is in no way a detriment to the neighborhood. You should be very proud.
AndrenMrs R.pro
AndersonBethpro 6345 Jaguar Drive I think it's great of you to share your observatory w/ others. Santa Feans should be grateful for your generosity and the opportunity to see the wonders of the night sky. Good luck! P.S. The impact (visual) of your observatory is nothing compared to some of the eyesores in SFe.
ArnowHoward= 901 Allahna Way I signed the petition against the observatory, but now that it has been painted, I'm neutral-pro about it. I would like to see some trees planted in a way which further reduces its visibility to the East as I walk in the neighborhood.
ArpeaRichardpro 900 Allahna Way Much better since it has been painted. Thank you.
ArpeaSusanpro
AshtonPatriciapro Rt. 10, Box 91-AB It is my understanding that some people have called the city to task for issuing a building permit for the observatory erected at the above address. I would like to go on record as a third-generation Santa Fean who not only supports the observatory, but who enthusiastically endorses the Weininger/Abriel household for their actions.   ... full letter is available
Balatsky'sthepro 1054 Camino Real We would like to come and see it! We support you even if you don't host your star parties.
BaranyCharlesPro! 945 Paseo del Sur The new color should satisfy everyone.
BardwellAvi pro 827 Gonzales Road We are your neighbors & we are thrilled about your observatory. At first we were jealous, but we've checked out your web site & are impressed with your generosity. Maybe the adobe paint camouflage will quiet criticism - if not, call us if you need neighborhood support. We will come to one of your star parties. Thanks.
BarronDevonpro 22 E. Stoney Road I fully support the observatory, and agree that it is a really, really neat universe. I think that it is wonderful to have something like this in Santa Fe, and it is especially great that you want to share it with other people, kids, etc. I wish you two the best and maybe the neighbors will cool off in due time.
BellerBarrypro 1405 North Point A superb addition to the community. I wish we had more people like you.
BennettJohnpro 1201 Gonzales Court We're very supportive of the observatory & hope for the best. This project is just as compatible to the neighborhood as the Santa Fe Institute.
BennettSusanpro
BomseMarcpro 1200 Gonzales Court  
BomsePearlpro
BradburyJimpro 1009 Camino Manana I have no problem with your observatory and hope to attend your next star party. I applaud your efforts to communicate with your neighbors on this topic and wish you luck.
BrowneScottpro 1219 Vista Verde Court Why is this structure under attack?
BrazyGlennypro 153 Barranca Road Great idea! We like the new color. We'd love to come Nov. 6th!
BrazyJacquespro
BrowningJackpro 919 Vista Verde Court We enthusiastically support the addition of this observatory to this neighborhood as an enlightened site specific use for Santa Fe's north hills, and appreciate the owners' generosity in offering to share it with the neighborhood as well.
BrowningJoepro
ButingJohnpro 252 Loma Entrada The observatory should stay - don't let a few elitists ruin a good thing for the neighborhood and Santa Fe as a whole. I agree with the letters to the editor recently published in support of the observatory. People were gazing at the stars in this area long before a few out-of-state elitists moved here and erected their trophy homes. P.S. The new color looks good.
CookG.Bpro 1085 Camino Manana  
CookPhillippro
CooterCarolpro 1255 Vallecita Drive Please use and enjoy your observatory. It's a fine addition to the neighborhood. We look forward to your "star parties".
CooterPaulpro
CoryFitzpro 992 Paseo del Sur I hope you pull this off and I admire your inventiveness. Count on me for at least 1 vote.
CoyDalepro 1054 Camino Manana An observatory seems a good fit for people who live in a city that actively discourages light pollution. We see no reason to revoke the building permit.
CoyJudypro
CurryDanpro 1298 Vallecita Drive We were strongly opposed to the stupid street paving project and now we live on a Grand Prix course. But your observatory seems harmless enough. Good luck with it.
DalkeAndrewpro 150 Washington Ave.  
D'ArcyJ,pro 1057 Camino Manana  
ClearyPeterpro
D'AmbrosioJeanpro 975 Indian Ridge Road My husband and I support the existence and stated use of this observatory and would love to be invited to a "star party". We really appreciate you having the observatory painted to blend in to its surroundings. We did not call or write anyone about this new structure. Hope you have many great times in your new observatory.
D'AmbrosioPatriciapro
DelanyJohnpro 75 Cibola Circle  
DosseyLarrypro 878 Paseo del Sur I support the observatory if it is painted cimmaron, as you plan to do.
DouglasDrexelpro 1266 Vallecita Drive Didn't like it at first when it was too white. But haven't noticed it lately.
DouglasTinapro
DubeyNancycon 1050 Camino Real From phone conversation Sep 28: Although you did everything properly in getting your permit, we feel that the City acted improperly in issuing the permit. I am on the board of the Santa Fe North Hills Neighborhood Association and we are requesting a hearing to revoke this permit on the basis that your observatory is not a suitable structure in this neighborhood. There is essentially no chance that I'll change my mind about this issue.
DubeyWilliamcon 1050 Camino Real (no actual contact, but presumably opposed since his name is on the appeal)
DuranManuelpro   Would like to stop by some evening to observe. Observatories/universe are great.
EllingJohnpro 150 Washington Ave  
EnglandJuliepro 906 Allana Way  
EnglandRobertpro
DudelozykMichaelpro 1058 Camino Real I find it hard to believe anybody could have an objection to your observatory.
FergusonJoannepro 987 Paseo del Sur  
FergusonLucaspro
FergusonNoelpro
FergusonOliviapro
FishbeinDavidcon 1060 Camino Real We feel the structure is inappropriate in a residential area. We want to keep this a quiet, private area. We value our views of the land surrounding our neighborhood as you value views of your 'neat universe' from your structure.
LopezGloriacon
FraizerJeannepro 893 Paseo del Sur Fight to the end! We support you and hope to meet you in person and stargaze with you. Sorry you had to paint it - I liked it white (the way it is supposed to be). After all, "This is the city different!"
FraizerJohnpro
FruchtCarolyncon 905 Allahna Way The structure, which from much of the area is seen looking up and silhouetted against the sky, is out of context with the architecure of the neighborhood, in fact glaringly so. It is a discordant note which jars the visual harmony here. Its impact might well decrease property values.
FruchtHowardcon
GarrityMichaelpro Paseo del Sur If I can help, call me.
GibbonsJoanpro 988 Paseo del Sur I would like to see trees planted around the base of the structure to further obscure its height. Large pinons would not only make it more esthetically pleasing and their roots would do more to curtail erosion than native grasses. I do question the city's issuance of a permit for Artoo/Deetoo!
GibbonsHaroldpro
GilbertJimpro POB 99, Dixon NM Not only was the "star party a wonderful & educational experience for all of us, it was a tonic to be exposed to very lovely, sharing and knowledgable people who opened both their home and very sophisticated observatory to their friends & neighbors - I am reminded of a quotation from one of the medlies: "A house is many things - least of all a house."
GilbertXahrapro
GilbertKevynpro
GilliganGwenpro 976 Paseo del Sur What time does the party start on November 6th? Sounds like fun - good luck.
GottschallArielpro 136 Barranca Road  
GottschallJesuapro
GordonJudyPro! 1055 Camino Real I signed the petition against the observatory, but after learning more, I now fully support it. I called and wrote the City to remove my name from the petition.
GrantMrs.Pro! 981 Paseo del Sur I signed the petition against the observatory but changed my mind, I'm for it now. But I don't think my husband will change his mind about being against it.
GrantMr.Pro! The brown color looks good and satisfies my concerns. I'm OK with it now.
GravesBettycon 1037 Stagecoach Road Think it will be an attractive nuisance.
GravesJackpro Brown color - big improvement.
GregoryGarrypro 150 Washington Ave.  
GrowSteffiepro 515A Rio Grande Ave.  
GuntherLarrypro 2413 Camino Auga Azul Great - we need more.
HancockMarypro 208 E. Palace The painted appearance is 95% better. I am personally thrilled to have access to this observatory and think that David Weininger is being extremely generous in promoting celestial education and community events. I feel sorry for those who oppose and am saddened that they don't have a greater affinity for our universe.
HansonRonpro 1105 Bishop's Lodge Rd.  
HansonSandypro
HarrisHarriettpro 1208 Vista Verde Court We not only approve of the Stagecoach Observatory, but applaud it and the spirit in which its owners have worked to meet objections, and their enthusiasm about sharing their observatory at scheduled star parties!
HarrisWendellpro
HumphreyNancypro 1201 Arroyo Piedra We loved your star party! Thank you. Our support for you is 100 per cent. Sorry you had to paint it, but that should satisfy. It made it disappear. Your kindness and tact is admirable. Don't give up! Loved Robert Frost.
HolceplWilliampro 1107 Piedras Rojas  
HorowitzDavidpro 145 Baranca Road  
HorowitzSusanpro
IllesEleanorpro 881 Paseo del Sur When our daughter & grand-daughter come at X-mas, we would like to bring them over - on a clear night. Painted - fits in.
IllesGeorgePro!
JohannesJaniepro 1298 Este Lane Glad you painted the dome. Looks OK now. Would love to come to a star party. I own a small Meade reflector with 4" mirror.
JohannesPhilpro
KellamBeverlypro 1207 Bishop's Lodge Road An exciting project! We look forward to attending a "star party". This neighborhood needs more people like you!
KellamStevepro
KellyBrianpro 150 Washington Ave  
KingJuliapro 2080 Plaza Thomas I very much enjoyed your opening night star party and look forward to others. Thanks. I think the painted observatory will be less objectionable to the neighbors. It will blend in beautifully.
KuncickyDavidpro 515A Rio Grande Ave.  
LarkinWillisPro! 945 Paseo del Sur Thank you for considering our concerns.
LeinbergerChristopherpro 1244 Vallecita Drive  
LongfieldKatiepro 1012 Sierra del Norte If you need letters of support to anyone, please let me know. I'd be happy to write one. I think your observatory is a community asset. It is certainly not uglier than many of the retaining walls, tennis courts, washed-out driveways or so-called "sculptures" in the neighborhood.
LomaxRalphpro 1273 Vallecita Drive To me this structure seems to be a proper use of an accessory structure building permit. It obviously looks better than "sheds" etc. built as accessory structures.
LoughlinKimpro 1298 Vallecita Drive  
LuceroAdricpro 976 Indian Ridge Road Letter to the Editor of the New Mexican, published 22 Sept 99, entitled Kids love observatory:
Our house is directly across from the Weininger Observatory. I think it looks great. We went to their "star party". I got to see Neptune and a galaxy. I learned so much and it was fun. Please let them keep the observatory. Don't let a few people ruin it for everyone.
LuceroIanpro
LuceroNancypro 976 Indian Ridge Road We are thrilled to have an observatory in the neighborhood. Adric wrote a personal invatation to the Pitchfords to come to your star party. Tell us how we can help you.
LuceroStevenpro
LujanJuliaspro 1065 Camino Manana We fully support the astronomical observatory. It is an asset for our area and a great educational facility.
LujanTobiaspro
LujanVirginiapro
MabryEllenpro 875 Paseo del Sur Gaze away!
MabryMikepro I like the spirit you show in dealing with the city & neighbors. Having the star party & sharing your work with the community is to be admired. I hope to attend 6 November. Good luck!
MaceMarthaPro! 904 Allahna Way Neither my wife nor I have a problem with your observatory now that the earth tone color paint has been applied. Thanks very much. Soon following the installation, a rumor circulated around the neighborhood that the observatory needed to remain white and could not be painted a less obtrusive color. I think that this may have been the cause of most of the resistance to the observatory. In any case, thanks for being a good neighbor.
MaceRolandPro!
MaezLaurapro 2224 Membreno Wow!!! Supendously powerful. Art in its purest form. Beauty like no other. Love at first sight. Never ending knowledge. Reality.
[... written after seeing M15 for the first time.]
MahoneBettypro 1290 Vallecita Drive We approve because of your plan to make the observatory blend into the landscape by using the cimmaron color.
MahoneCharlespro
MartinezVivianpro 1863 Paseo del Sur We heartily approve of what you are doing & appreciate your sensitivity to your neighbors. I have tried to reach you via telephone for your kind invitation to the first light party . We think your painting it as you did was a good idea. I (Vivian) thought it was a horno (oven) at first! Pretty big one, though!
MartinezW. J.pro
McClungBarbarapro 1053 Camino Manana To me this observatory enhances our neighborhood and is certainly not an eyesore. Because the owners generously share it with all who are interested, it presents a rare educational opportunity for children and adults alike. I feel privileged to be able to learn more about the night sky, and consider this a wonderful asset for Santa Fe.
MeadeMargaretpro 1257 Cabana Court - congrats on your intelligent and civilized approach to solving this problem! 'can hardly wait to come to a star party.
MedinaLesliepro 1052 Camino Real I think it is great!
MedinaVincentpro
MeskinScottpro 1056 Camino Manana Cheers!
MidyettBobpro 985 Paseo del Sur I'm a member of SETI (purely for curiosity's sake, but always willing to learn). I'm here in the house for a year for St. John's Grad School. I'd be HAPPY to help with anything. I'm also a graphic designer so please let me know if there's anything I can do. - Michelle
MidyettMichellepro
MidyettVickipro
MikkelsenBarbarapro 1288 Este Lane We think that your telescope is cool - can we do something about the lights in the area?
MikkelsenJohnpro
MontoyaChristiepro 1287 Este Lane We are sorry we missed the "opening night"! We plan to come Nov. 6! I think this is an asset to the neighborhood. We have a view of the observatory from our north end and we really like the new earth color. Welcome and thanks!
MontoyaJohnpro
MoultonMaxpro POB 99, Dixon NM  
MurrayBarbarapro 1291 Vallecita Drive You have obviously done everything possible to be accommodating - including sharing the observatory. I think it's a neat idea. Some people are just weird, aren't they?!
NicholaouChristospro 150 Washington Ave  
O'BineDeborahpro 902 Allanha Way Devin is very interested in looking at the stars. We both think this is a very cool addition to the neighborhood.
O'BineDevinpro
NicholsLisapro 1109 Piedras Rojas  
NicholsTodpro
OrtizLydiapro 1047 Stagecoach Road We have no problem with the observatory.
OrtizTompro
ParkerDavidpro 977 Thunderbird Court As neighbors to your East our house faces directly toward your observatory. Does it offend us? Not in the least. ... If there is anything which we can do to aid you in your efforts we would certainly like to do so and hope that you will let us know.   ... full letter is available
ParkerJeanpro
PlourdeMichelePro! 1053 Camino Real The paint job looks great, I hardly notice it anymore. The shiny white was somewhat objectionable from a visual standpoint. I want to apologize for signing the petition that is mentioned in your letter. I had no idea that no one had spoken directly to you. I know that "most" of the members of the SF Hills Neighborhood Assoc. will be happy with the paint job, as this addresses the "aesthetic" issue. I would recommend contacting Bill and Nancy Duby (1050 Camino Real 982-6476) as they initiated the petition. Good luck.
PearceJean pro 984 Paseo del Sur You're the kind of neighbors every neighborhood needs! We love the fact that we can see an observatory from our back deck (we live down the hill, just acorss the arroyo).
ReedBillpro 1273 Este Lane The observatory is fine from here, especially since it was painted. I look forward to attending at least one of your star parties in the near future.
ReedSheilapro
ReederJohn pro 1216 Vallecita Drive Yea for the observatory! Some folks in Santa Fe need to loosen up a little ...
859 Magee Lane
RichardMonty- 937 Paseo del Sur The only objection I had was the white color which you have corrected. Thank you. Otherwise, I would not want to interfere with your use of your land, especially when you have such a strong passion for this hobby. Good luck.
RootsKarenpro 3920 Old Santa Fe Trail The non-commercial observatory is a definite plus to the neighborhood. Its cimmaron color and shape fit right into the landscape (see photos). My wife and I whole-heartedly support Dave Weininger's observatory.
RootsLoganpro
RyanMollypro 1211 Vista Verde Court The observatory is in my direct view - with the new adobe color paint I can scaresly see it! I had a great time at the first light party and look forward to future observations. Thanks!
SalesSusanPro! 1244 Vallecita Drive If the City and any other authorized entity gave the owners of this property all the necessary legal permits to construct what-ever, then it should be allowed, certainly to have any such project go to the point of completion and then have it "denied" is unfair. P.S. Now that it's "brown" one hardly sees it anyway!
SalganekAlettapro 7441 Sagebrush Road What an exciting project!
SalganekMikpro
SalganekSkyepro
SandonCarol A.Pro! 1042 Camino Real When it was white, it stood out like a sore thumb. We came back from a trip & it was the first thing I noticed coming up to our house. Since you painted it I hardly notice it anymore. Keep it the brown color you painted it & we'll have no complaints.
SandonGary A.Pro! I like it & will try to be at your next party on Nov. 6.
SayleDeliapro 1128 Camino Delora  
SayleRogerpro
ScottSpro 854 Magee Lane Good Luck! We'd love to see the finished product sometime.
ShapiroLewispro 1266 Este Lane You've been completely responsive to all neighborhood concerns.
ShapiroLindaPro!
SingerJ. H.pro 931 Paseo del Sur The white was an eyesore; the new color makes it tough to see even if you're looking for it and my deck faces it. I was away and missed the public flap, but to quote Gilda Radner "It's always something!" By now you've figured out that some of our neighbors would bitch if they were hanged with a new rope ... and some of them are the ones who INSISTED on paving everything in sight whether I liked it or not ~~ but that's another story... And if they didn't get the SASE (as I did not) you'll hear about that, too. I'll drop a note to City Hall; I don't know Mr. Pitchford and don't think I care to. I'm a long-time resident of Santa Fe & this neighborhood and was here to watch the McMansions invade our formerly quiet Hidden Valley (which is what the area was known as pre-paving and pre-Pitchford). I s'pose it's imprudent to suggest that Mr. P. and his ilk get a life?
SorensonChrispro 970 Thunderbird Court It looks great. We live on Thunderbird Ct., across from you, and are very happy with the new color of the observatory. Thank you for inviting us to use your scope, I'm excited to take you up on your offer! I'm an amateur star buff and I can hardly wait. Thank you for taking the initiative to write us about the observatory and the star party. Looking forward to meeting you.
SorensonBobpro
StellyAlexispro 153 Barranca Road  
StellyGlendorapro
SzeCorrinepro 1042 Stagecoach Road Can we get invited to look through the telescope?
StellySzepro
TeakleGregorypro 1107 Piedras Rojas I think you're doing a great thing for community. Abe Lincoln couldn't please everyone - there is always someone who is going to bitch. So be it! Let them bitch.
VozellaJoseph C.pro 126 Barranca Road We like the new color, it sounds like you have done everything correctly and are addressing concerns of neighbors.
VozellaJoseph M.pro
VozellaMary D.pro
WatermanJessicapro 1061 Camino Manana The opposition is ridiculous. You are well within your right to have the observatory.
WatermanLarrypro
WardCurtispro 875 Paseo del Sur This should be viewed as a positive addition to our neighborhood. How fortunate to have neighbors who are willing to share such an exciting, beautiful hobby. Hope to see you in Nov.
WardHeatherpro
WarrenStanpro 2224 Membreno  
WassermanHarveypro 1105 Piedras Rojas  
WebsterDeborahpro 1219 Vista Verde Court Why is this structure under attack?
WellerL. O.pro 152 Barranca Road The paint matches our stucco (Cimmaron). No problem now! Good luck.
LindquistB. G.pro
WenderSteve pro 827 Gonzales Road  
WilliamsonClairepro 136 Barranca Road Santa Fe is so fortunate to have a progressive, caring, sharing neighbor like you! I wish you well on your astronomical project. I'm 100% hehind your venture (adventure). Hope to see you on Nov 6. I liked it silver or white. Warm regards.
WIlliamsonKellypro
WingardBud pro 984 Paseo del Sur After I read the article in the newspaper I drove up Stagecoach trying to identify your house mailbox. I was going to leave you a note offering whatever support I could. Surely now, after you've painted it, no one can feel anything but pride in having it in our unique community! Way to go Dave & Dawn!
WinterfeltJeanpro 1224 Vallecita Drive Can't come to your next star pary but would love to come at a later time. At this time I think it's great.
WinterfeltRolfpro
WygalKarenpro 1202 Arroyo Piedra White gel-coat was awful - new color is great! Blends in nicely with houses.
WygalGarypro
ZeckendorfNancypro 1202 Ojo Verde As long as it is not white ... I like cimmaron.
ZeckendorfWilliampro

Stagecoach Observatory   35.707 N   105.920 W   2022 m   MST/MDT