Borough needs noise ordinance

The Rave concerts that have been held on Knik River Road this past year have created a bit of ruckus and, in some cases, pitted neighbor against neighbor.

Some, mostly those who make money off the concerts, say they are good and should be allowed to continue. Others, mostly those trying to get a good nights sleep, say the concerts are disruptive, loud, and go on until the wee hours of the morning. The concerts have drawn as many as 1,500 young people, most of them from Anchorage, to the quiet, secluded community along the river. Vandalism has occurred, threats have been made and, on one occasion, shots were fired, though not directly at anyone.

Now, because area residents are complaining, the Anchorage promoter of the concerts is looking around for another location in the Valley where they might be held. Rumors have emerged this week that the concerts will relocate to the Knik-Goose Bay/Point MacKenzie area next.

All this points out the need for the Mat-Su Borough Assembly to introduce and hold public hearings on a borough-wide noise ordinance and to consider approving such an ordinance.

Statistics and demographics have shown that the boroughs population is getting older, if not grayer, and allowing raucus, loud concerts to pop up anywhere a local property owner will let them is bound to create more complaints, friction and, possibly, worse.

This does not mean there should be no concerts in the Valley. It simply means the borough needs to find an area where such concerts wont infringe on the rights of residents, such as the right to a good nights sleep. Though not guaranteed in the state or federal constitutions, a good nights sleep is recommended by health professionals and, probably but indirectly, by most employers. Lack of such sleep frequently results in grouchy, tempermental residents and we already have enough of those just ask any local government official or employee.

Some have suggested using the state fairgounds near Palmer as a site for the concerts, which certainly ought to be considered. But that would require the concert promoters to be bonded and to clean up after the concerts are over. But profits are profits and most promoters wont spend when they can receive unless they have to.

Thats precisely why a borough noise ordinance is a good idea. It would compel concert promoters to be a bit more responsible and, at the same time, make them better corporate citizens.

Its Halloween, watch for goblins, ghosts on local streets

Besides turning our clock back an hour, this weekend will see hordes of adorable little goblins, ghosts, skeletons, princesses, etc., swarming through residential neighborhoods with the blood-curdling cry: Trick or Treat! In fact, turning the clock back means we will see and hear them for an extra hour.

Accordingly, the Frontiersman urges motorists out and about over the weekend to take particular care to drive more carefully so these little denizens of the dark can make their rounds safely and return home with bags full of goodies and sweets.

Halloween is, after all, primarily for children. So be observant to darting little folks in bizarre costumes and give them all a very wide, and safe, berth.