Agenda - 05-24-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Williams Airport. He mentioned that the lack of zoning for development and the lack of infrastructures (water/sewer) hinder the attainment of our common goal of economic development. These need to be our priorities. MR. ARNOLD GREENWELL, a private pilot and user of Horace Williams Airport, spoke in favor of the proposed airport. He stated that he was angry and upset that the Public Hearings on the proposed airport were prematurely stopped. He lives within two blocks of Horace Williams and believes it is a good neighbor. It is a part of the national public transportation system. He does not feel that the opposition represents a majority of the citizens but is a vocal minority. He reminded the Commissioners that two years ago at the Public Hearing at Phillips Junior High School the sentiment was running 50/50 on the airport issue. He felt that this was a more accurate representation of the citizens. He also indicated that he opposed having additional restrictions placed on the Horace Williams Airport. MR. JOHN MCKEE, Chairman of the Orange County Economic Development Commission (EDC), read a written statement which is incorporated as a part of these minutes by reference. He stated that he was encouraged by some of the ideas he has heard at this hearing. Sign-up forms were left in the front of the room and citizens were encouraged to volunteer to serve on one of the Committees of the Economic Development Commission. MR. JIM LA TORRE asked Commissioner Carey to assure the citizens that the vote on Monday night meant that no airport would be built in Orange County, rather than that no airport would be put on Site 11. Mr. Carey indicated that the vote meant that Site 11, which was the only site that remained on the list to be considered, was not suitable for an airport. The motion also made specific reference to the fact that alternatives to an airport were more suitable for pursuing the County's goals of economic development and diversification of the tax base, and the Commissioners were interested in exploring those with the citizens of Orange County. As a result of further questioning by Mr. LaTorre, Chairman Carey stated that as long as the present Board remained constituted the way it is, there will be no further plans for an Orange County regional airport. Mr. LaTorre thanked Commissioner Hartwell for coming to Site 11 and viewing first hand the damage that the airport would have done. He reiterated 1 the point that lack of communication was part of the problem. He also pointed out that the citizens were half of the problem as they often do not keep up with county politics. He suggested that zoning for clean industry would be helpful in attracting the right kind of industry to Orange County. He offered his services in helping to reach that goal. MS. PAT GREENWELL, a resident of Orange County, spoke in favor of the need for a regional airport. She stated that she would have been a user of such an airport and was disappointed at the way in which the vote was taken. She mentioned that she believed many other citizens would have come out in support of the airport if the vote had not been taken prematurely. She wanted the Commissioners to know that she believes that aviation is safe and an asset to the community. MR. TREY GREER, a pilot and resident of Carrboro, spoke in favor of the need for a regional airport. He expressed disappointment that the vote had been taken before the Public Hearings. He also mentioned that his belief is that the Horace Williams airport is safe and the additional 500 feet of runway is intended to make the airport • safer for those already using it, not to allow jets to land there. He feels that the schools are in no danger from the aircraft flying in and out of the airport.