Charlotte City Council Votes 'No' On One Way To Expand KFPK

Last month, the Charlotte, MI city council considered proposals to expand the Fitch H. Beach Airport's 3,500-feet runway to 5,000-feet. One of those proposals even considered relocating the entire airport, to accommodate corporate jets.

At issue with that plan, though, was the potential use of eminent domain -- the right to take private land for public use -- according to the Battle Creek Enquirer.

At a city council meeting Monday night, about 100 protestors gathered at Charlotte City Hall, chanting, "Don't take our land" and "No airport in the country" and waving signs. The group also opposes the airport's expansion.

The Enquirer adds the airport issue wasn't even on the council agenda for that particular meeting... but with 100 vocal protesters in the audience, the matter found its way onto the roster.

Council member Dee Smith proposed a vote on the resolution. "I'm putting it forward because it's the right thing to do," she said. "Not because of pressure."

The proposed measure only applies to the use of eminent domain if the airport is relocated, and does not apply to expansion. The measure passed 4-3.

The consultants providing the feasibility study currently underway have identified potential relocation sites in Eaton, Walton and Carmel townships. The news report identifies the protestors as being mostly from Eaton Township.

The Rev. Elle Desgrange of the Spiritual Episcopal Church in Eaton Rapids, who coordinated the protest, said her church is one of the potential relocation sites.

"That's our business. That's our livelihood," she said.

FMI: Michigan's KFPK Page (.pdf)