“We have to run a business,” was the answer the night manager at my neighborhood Safeway store gave when at 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, I called to complain about the noise on High School Road.

Safeway began pressure washing and blow-drying their carts and racks in the late afternoon and continued way beyond what either a city noise ordinance or common sense would tell you was a reasonable hour.

When I asked why this couldn’t be done during the day when people weren’t trying to sleep – at least everyone in our apartment complex – I was told that “they didn’t have enough room or time.”

Whoever took my call admitted that he had received several others about the noise and clearly it made no difference to Safeway management. Several years ago it had an ear-piercing screech coming from its always noisy heating/cooling/venting roof equipment, which took a week before enough complaints were lodged that they called the repairman.

I thought it only fair to call Safeway first. When I was told to “buzz off for business” I said I was next calling the police – which I did. I suspect the reason why at 10 p.m. our neighborhood was returned to its legal and deserved semi-quiet is that all the carts were washed and their business was completed.

I wonder that if a mow-and-blow yard crew decided to start at 8 p.m. and quit at 10 p.m. would enjoy the same privilege Safeway assumes is itsright? Is this really the definition of being a good neighbor?

Or is it just another example of a commion good (peace and respect of neighbors) sacrificed on the altar of profit-making self-interest?

Barbara Clarke

Bainbridge Island