THOUSAND OAKS : Color of Dealership Gets Reconsideration

A disagreement between a Thousand Oaks auto dealer and city officials over the exterior shade of the dealer’s showroom could be resolved by the City Council on Tuesday.

The council is scheduled to review a request by Robert D. Nesen to keep the exterior of his car dealership white.

The 73-year-old car dealer and former ambassador to Australia said he painted his showroom white to comply with strict specifications established by manufacturers of the luxury Infiniti car.

City planners require the dealerships in the Thousand Oaks auto center on Thousand Oaks Boulevard to paint their buildings natural shades such as brown and beige.

“I honestly believe that the design, style and color of this building is not only desirable but meets the intent of the . . . design adopted by the city,” Nesen said in a letter he wrote to the council.

Infiniti officials have denied Nesen’s request to make any changes to the building’s color.

Planners, however, have urged the council to uphold the Planning Commission’s unanimous decision to require Nesen to paint his structure an earth tone.