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So, please vote yes on all reasonable Albany police/fire bonds.
You can also become involved in (or start) a neighborhood community watch program. Of course, report ALL suspicious activity to the police! Keep in eye on your neighbors house and car(s) when they are away.
Another good way to help stop crime is to actually get out and about in your neighborhood. Take evening walks, sit on your front porch, get to know you neighbors and make your home a safer place.
Sanitation services could easily cut down on their "contribution" to noise pollution with a simple common sense change in schedule. Allied Waste (formerly Albany Lebanon Sanitation) is resistant to this. But, we hope with consistent and friendly pressure from the city, and us residents, they will serve their customers better. If not, it's time for the City of Albany to find a new contractor that will serve the community better.
On the sustainability side, Allied Waste, at least here in Albany, has an excellent recycling program. They deserve credit for that.
So, please contact Allied Waste and politely let them know you want them to reduce (eliminate?) noise pollution. Their number is (541) 928-2551.
Loud exhausts are another huge source of completely unnecessary noise in Albany, Oregon. Many of the vehicle that have loud exhausts are modified by their owners. Why one would be posses to own and drive a vehicle that is loud and complete ridiculous is beyond me. Motorcycles with modified exhausts are at the top of this dung heap. These type of modifications are illegal in many areas, and should be here. We are dependent upon police enforcement to keep this scourge off our streets.
Like a biker (motorcycle) friend of mine says "Loud pipes lose rights". That is (or will be) so true. Be responsible!
Legislation is pending in Oregon that would require all (or most) vehicles be tested for emissions. This will solve many problems, including loud exhausts. More about emissions in the environmental section.
I'm sure everyone has heard the ridiculous gas powered 2-cycle scooters (the stand-up kind, not the more reasonable "Honda Spree" sit down type), with the missing exhausts. More often than not, the operator is not wearing a helmet, and does not obey traffic control. These polluting devices are banned in many places, and should be here as well.
How many times have you tried to get some extra sleep on Saturday morning, but were awakened by a neighbor's gas powered implement? Not only are these gas tools (mowers, pressures, washers, and the more silliest: leaf blowers) loud, but they also pollute. There is an easy answer: don't use them! There are electric versions that are much more quiet, and much much better for the environment. Recycle those old, noisy gas tools, and get with the future!
The discussion about noise pollution is not complete without mentioning Jet skis. Like other annoying devices, they are banned in many places (San Juan Islands, etc). As you would expect, they should be banned on the Willamette as well. Maybe there should be a private lake somewhere that all those wahoos can takes those machines. But, not to a public place.
Train building and switching is a tough one. Trains are important to the economy and sustainability of the area. Perhaps the railroads could schedule switching/building operations for during the day?
The solution comes in two parts: Developments must be appropriate, with adequate spacing between homes, proper green spaces, and other common sense livability features. Once that is met, the developments must be subject to a development fee that will cover the costs to the city. These costs include streets, utility extension, increase utility capacity, schools, etc.
Right now the burden of these costs of "growth" is on us, the current residents and tax payers. This must change. Vote accordingly.
Keep these things in mind when you vote for an Albany, OR city councilperson or annexation.
In the end, better education will increase the quality of life, reduce crime, and simply make this a better place. Better educated people generally don't vandalize or steal your junk.
In addition, better educated folks have better jobs. Thus, they have better income. That means more money coming into the local economy. Also, supporting the local library also helps education. So, please support our local libraries as well.
Also, choose businesses that treat their employees well, and are also committed to a sustainable future.
For more information on saving energy, please visit the Energy Trust of Oregon website.