This post has been stuck in the que for a day or two now and has been blocking up the Capitol Hill Seattle digestive system. We need to post, dammit. Glad to get it out.
You may recall my recent losing-of-cool and subsequent tirade against the Blue Angels. If you don’t, you can enjoy my rant here. Summary bitching: the Angels fly too low, too loud and too close to homes on Capitol Hill and neighborhoods around the city. So I wrote this letter to Mayor Nickels and cut-n-pasted a version for city council members, too. I noted how incredibly loud the jets were when they ripped over our neighborhood and asked 3 questions:
1) What can be done to restrict the Angels’ flight area to the lake and require safer, lower volume operation over populated areas?
2) What compromises do you support that could reduce either the number or amplitude of the performances? Possible to limit the performance to one day?
3) Are you able to share information on the number of complaints received regarding Blue Angels from this and previous years?
The response from the mayor’s office can be summed up thusly:
- The FAA says the performances are OK.
- Since the FAA approves and private Seafair plans the event, the city doesn’t need to act because…
- So few people complain — though more complained this year than last.
I’ve included the full-text from the mayor’s office here but first want to put another $.02 on my summation of the city’s position. I’m not sure the mayor and the city’s hands are completely tied — for example, there must be a good many permits and variances given to Seafair to put on the event — but I can see the problem if none of us are taking the time to say there is a problem. So, for now, I’m going to focus on this part of the equation. Here’s the complaint dataset for the last two years:
2005: 10 complaints
2006: 17 complaints
That doesn’t really look like a problem. Maybe not many of us really have anything to complain about. But it’s also possible that people would rather have a choice about having the noise and disturbance of the Blue Angels come into their lives — they just didn’t know they could do something about it.
So, this is the first step: complain. Or don’t. Until there is enough noise from citizens who want the situation changed, the Angels will roar on.
HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
- Contact the mayor’s office and city council so they can record your complaint. I know this seems cheesey but we got a useful response from the mayor and 2 council members.
- Call the Seafair board at (206) 728-0123
- Call the FAA regarding low flying aircraft at 425-227-1389
–j
Oh here, let me get my really small violin and play you a sad tune for you post.
Quit whining. Seafair is part of Seattle. Don’t like it? Move.
I thought it was a bit overly dramatic the few people complaining about the Blue Angels. It’s a huge part of Seattle. I have been going for years. Seattle needs more events and festivities. I was also sad when the gasworks park concert was cancelled. Maybe it’s just because I am young…who knows
wouldn’t it be easier and more enjoyable just to go camping or take a quick trip to Vancouver (either one), Portland, or some place? Jeez, even a trip to Ikea would suffice
We’re talking about 8 hours out of a whole summer for an event that takes place in a really confined area. Surely it’s not that big a deal?
I’m all in support of this complaint, and I went ahead and emailed the Mayor with my own.
Anonymous #1, whatever.
Anonymous #2, Seafair is fine. The Blue Angels flying over our neighborhood at such low altitude as to terrorize children and pets is not.
Alex, events are great. The Blue Angels flying over our neighborhood with such high noise volumes does not make for a happy city.
Paul, trips are great. But why should I reorganize my life because of five, low-flying F-18/A Hornets?
it’s just a matter of time before one of the War Angels screws up or one of their beloved aging craft, which supports and promotes the Sound of War, has a minor failure and hits Seattle the hard way, nose first. It’s inevitable, just wait for it, and the show will be over in more ways than you may now anticipate.
BL*M
I think that we should also ban all parades downtown; the loud noise and people congregating upsets the cats, dogs, and the homeless. Events like these are a disgrace to the city. Don’t even get me started on outdoor concerts, Fourth of July fireworks, or any event that closes down sections of the street for bike riders or runners.
I am against anything that brings any amount of abnormality to my daily lifestyle.