Green messages have some seeing red

PHILMONT - The controversial topic of global warming is causing tension in one Columbia County village.

But the issue at hand actually isn't about global warming.

Climate change activists plastered their message in the village of Philmont. Some residents say this in your face reminder about living green has put them in the red.

Members of the group 350.org, a grassroots campaign, painted a wall Sunday as part of International Day of Climate Action.

Phrases like "clean energy," "keep it local" and "ditch the plastic" are good thoughts residents say, but poor artwork. In fact, some residents are calling these "save the planet" messages graffiti.

While residents say they respect the messages, they don't want it to be this big -- covering an entire wall and the roof of a building that sits at the main intersection in town.

The building is owned by Sally Baker, a Philmont resident who's also a founder of the organization Philmont Beautification.

Max Dannis owns a restaurant next door called Local 111. They strive to serve only locally grown food.

"I certainly wouldn't want to keep it there forever, but I wouldn't mind seeing it for a day or two," Dannis said.

Well, that's pretty much how long he'll get to see it for. It turns out the paintings and the roof sign are too big and violate village zoning laws.

Village Building Inspector Stanley Koloski went to Baker's home Tuesday afternoon to give her the violation.

"I've given her an order to remove it by Thursday of this week," Koloski reported.

Baker did not answer not respond to requests to comment for this story.