Fri, Nov 28, 2003
Airport-Killers At Work... Again
Long Island's Republic
Airport escaped soem serious hazards this week... after some
critical property was almost turned into a supermarket.
The town of Babylon has rescinded a zoning variance for the
shopping center that was to be built within the runway protection
zone (RPZ) and directly under a final approach path. Work has
halted on the project until the zoning issue is resolved.
The home of ten flight schools and two well-known FBOs, Republic
is a major nexus for aviaion activity ion the New York/Long Island
area.
"But the news is not as good as it seems at first glance," said
AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn. "The action is just a
procedural move to allow Babylon to send the variance to the county
planning commission for review. But it also gives the State of New
York more time to prepare to defend Republic. It's obvious that the
town is starting to feel the heat from the aviation community."
Republic is owned by New York State. Earlier this month, AOPA
wrote to New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, urging him
to join a lawsuit to stop the incompatible land use within the RPZ.
AOPA contends that the state should exercise its authority to
prevent the development and preserve the safety of the airport by
reclaiming the land.
"Encroachment and incompatible land use are the biggest threats
GA airports face today," said Dunn. "As the owner and sponsor of
Republic Airport, New York State needs to take an active role in
protecting it - something the FAA grant obligations require. We're
pleased to see that the state plans to use the delay to work on a
resolution."
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