Estabrook: Noise problem is legitimate issue

By Carole Estabrook

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:00 PM EDT

Gov. Paterson is scheduled to speak in Skaneateles today to address complaints about truck traffic on village streets.
Residents believe that the trucks are loud, dangerous and promote environmental hazards.

A tourist community - traffic in the village only adds to the congestion.

And it's not only Skaneateles. This issue concerns anyone who lives in a residential area.

Think of a large trucks driving down the same road where children ride bikes and skateboard.

Also consider the damage that these trucks can cause, as small-town roads are not designed to handle these vehicles.

Village roads receive far less attention than city roads when it comes to maintenance and repair.

If it's unavoidable, that's one thing. But U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has argued that state environmental and traffic agencies have it within their power to establish standard truck routes.

Sen. Schumer has also previously indicated that the governor supports this initiative.

The whispering campaign in regards to today's visit should guarantee that the issue is, at the very least, brought to the table.

This certainly isn't a new concern.

People have been complaining about commercial traffic for years.

There has always been a contingency bubbling about the motorcycle owners who rev their engines downtown, morning, noon and night. It's a question tolerance.

When does urban sprawl infringe upon a person's quality of life?

Urban sprawl creates pollution which ultimately has a negative impact on the quality and quantity of land and water.

It stands to reason that the number of vehicle fatalities and accidents will rise as traffic increases.

Heavy traffic can also have a negative impact on property values.

Bearing in mind the steep taxes that people pay to live in Skaneateles, I'd say they have a legitimate beef.

Whether you want to live in a bustling city, a quaint village or in the privacy of the boonies, people have a right to defend their community. Some change is inevitable, but as a taxpaying citizen, it's important to speak up about the type of society you hope to foster.

Hopefully, Gov. Paterson will stand apart from his predecessor by listening to the public and following through on his promises.

At this point, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com.

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