The Waterbury Neighborhood Association (WNA) is aware that a number of residents in both Des Moines and West Des Moines have recently signed and filed petitions expressing concern over late night noise, and especially the sound of "bass amplification" emanating from the Val Air Ballroom. We are also aware the Val Air owners, as well as many of their constituents, including some Waterbury residents, oppose further restrictions.

This letter is to inform interested parties that the WNA Board fully supports the rights of its residents and other similarly affected homeowners to  petition for a review of Metro area noise and nuisance ordinances. The homeowners in question undeniably have a right to enjoy their property free from inordinate disturbances as well as to air their views with the proper authorities. At the same time, the WNA Board recognizes and supports the rights of the owners of the Val Air Ballroom and other local businesses to conduct their affairs free from unwarranted interference.

The Waterbury Neighborhood Association (WNA) Board encourages Des Moines and West Des Moines officials to work together with the affected residential and business owners to seek a mutually satisfactory resolution to their differences. To this end, we suspect the traditional test of decibel levels alone may not be a sufficient measure of nuisance noise. We recommend the formation of a committee or task force to study and report on possible resolution options, and in particular the issue of the appropriate measurement of and limitation on highly amplified bass sounds.

In sum, the WNA recommends a careful study and re-evaluation of the proper modern methods for measuring and appropriate limitations on nuisance sound disturbances, taking into account both the rights of residents to quiet enjoyment of their properties and the continued and profitable conduct of business at the Val Air Ballroom, a valued metro music venue.

If you have questions please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Press inquires should be directed to Melinda Berte at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 277-5422.

The Westside Neighborhoods hosted another successful SCRUB in October.  Thanks to Bill Nassif for organizing and volunteering and to Danielle Slifka, Jeff Ericson, Chris Maharry, and Andrea Hauer for all their help.  The crowd using the SCRUB was a little lighter this year but we collected 121 appliances that will be recycled and we helped households get rid of a lot of trash.  Once again we hosted the "freecycle":  lawn mowers, bicycles, Little Tykes play equipment and furniture all have a second home thanks to the SCRUB volunteers.   We were able to separate out metals once again and persons disposing of metals were appreciative of our extra efforts.

This year Ed Conlow, President of the Waveland Neighborhood, organized pulling out old computers and monitors that were being thrown away. To my surprise, several people utilizing the SCRUB went over and salvaged printers, cords, etc.  from the growing pile, and we were able to take two pick-up loads of computers to the Goodwill Industries on NE 22nd Street.  The computers filled four Gaylord boxes, each measuring 48" x 40" x 36".  The Goodwill has employees that take the computers apart, salvage parts, and sell to Dell.  This was a very successful venture and one I hope we can repeat next year.

Submitted by Mary Neiderbach