Seen bald eagles in NA?

Please help.

This is regarding a huge proposed housing development connecting to the west side of North Albany Park (257 two- and three-story, "high end" houses). Along with this housing, the developers (D.R. Horton and JT Smith Company, of Portland) propose the extension of Squire Street into, and out of, this development. There are many issues at stake here. One important issue is protection of wildlife and habitat.

Bald eagles have been sighted in the close vicinity of the proposed development site. At the first hearing on Nov. 6, my husband and I submitted a signed agreement of our willingness to take a lie-detector test to attest to the fact that we have seen bald eagles on Squire Street and Squire Place.

The bald eagle is a federally "protected" species. That means that if they are in an area hunting, they cannot, should not, be pushed out for any reason. These precious birds, our national symbol, are just starting to make a comeback, and they like it here, right here.

It is (also) against federal law to kill any hawk, eagle or owl.

Oregon's Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines Goal 5 requires that local governments take inventory of natural resources, wildlife habitat and scenic areas.

Please report any sightings of the bald eagle, and any other raptors, or nests (bald eagles likely nest near the river, but hunt here). You can do this via e-mail or in person at the next hearing at City Hall on Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m.; state that it is testimony.

Albany's Planning Commission needs to take a break and work on Goal 5 issues before any further development.

Dorothy Wilson, Albany

Higher density saves space

There is a small group of people attempting to change the way that new development happens in Albany. Although they call themselves North Albany Citizens in Action, they do not represent all the people of North Albany. One of their prime targets is reduction of the housing density as set forth in the development plan for North Albany. This on the face of it may not seem to be a bad thing, but consider the following:

Four years ago, the people of North Albany participated in the creation of a development plan to define how development would happen in our neighborhood. The North Albany Citizens in Action want us to toss out the plan we all worked so hard on and use their model instead. This is not acceptable.

The buildable land supply would be exhausted more quickly, requiring expansion of the urban growth boundary, taking more valuable farmlands. Large lots and the resulting urban sprawl would raise housing costs, pricing some people out of the market. Taxes would increase due to the fewer dwellings to share the burden of the increased infrastructure.

That is the model that we see in Los Angeles, and it is not sustainable. One of the main reasons that I live here is because within a few minutes on foot or by bicycle I can be in the country. Urban sprawl will change that. We owe it to ourselves and our children to make maximum use of this limited and valuable natural resource, the land.

Higher density combined with clustering of houses results in more common open space for children to play, recreation for everyone and wildlife habitat. The common areas create more opportunity for neighbors to interact, enhancing our sense of community. Everyone's quality of life is improved.

Jim Lawrence, Albany

New direction? No, reverse!

Like the dog that chases the car, the question is: What will he do if catches it? Well, we gave the Democrats Congress and they have caught it. What will they do?

First of all, accept the fact that it is the illegal immoral war in Iraq that turned the tide against the Bush administration - 680,000 human lives ripped, burned, tortured asunder over nothing but lies can do that (Johns Hopkins report).

But the Dems are saying, "Impeachment is off the table." No war crimes tribunal.

We did not elect the Dems to take "new directions" in Iraq. Unless it is full reverse. But the president is still in command of the military, I hear you say. But who is "buying the gas" for this trip? You in Congress are (but we the people pay). All you have to do is stop funding the war.

Each Humvee that is blown up would pay a year's teacher's salary. Give enough to get home on. No permanent bases left behind. No "security forces." No friendly puppet government. Buy some of their oil, if we wish. It will be much cheaper than just trying to steal it (if we don't destroy it all), and our pump price will be less. Save our soldiers. We need them here. They could build us a mass transit system, or something, anything. We have our work cut out for us.

Ed Hemmingson, Albany

The school bond vote

I want to express a sincere thank-you to all who voted for the Albany school bond.

As a parent of two children who attend schools in our district, as an employee of the school district and as a community member, thank you Albany, thank you.

Kimberlie Pigg, Albany