The Proposal Could Place Homes Near The Base To Final Leg Of The Airport Traffic Pattern

The Clermont County Airport business community, including Sporty's Academy, Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, AirMod, Select Aircraft Service and the Tri-State Warbird Museum, are dealing with a recently approved zoning change (by the Batavia Township Trustees) for a 73 acre parcel in VERY close proximity to Clermont County Airport.

The zoning change, from light industrial to planned development "PD," paves the way for a potential 185 unit planned community with homes located as close as 1,000' from the runway surface.

You can all imagine what will happen from there... people will move near an airport and then inexplicably start complaining about all those airplanes! It's an old story and a predictable one.

The potential development is being proposed by Ridge Stone Builders with Brookstone Homes and Episcopal Retirement Services.

The proposal places homes near the base to final leg of the airport traffic pattern when landing runway 4. While aircraft are operating from runway 22, departure paths will cross near or over the proposed development at altitudes of approximately 100' - 200' above the ground at maximum power output.

According to airport stakeholders, the proximity of the proposed development will create inevitable disruption from airplane noise and will negatively impact the enjoyment and value of property for its residents not to mention obvious safety concerns for residents and pilots operating to and from the airport.

"The airport is a vital asset in the community supporting flight training, law enforcement, medical airlift, recreational and business aviation, flying clubs, educational opportunities for youth and specialty services," remarked Clermont County Airport Manger, Chuck Gallagher.

"While we strive to always be a good neighbor, it would seem impossible in this situation with homes located in such close proximity."

The airport community continues to object to the development as final plans are considered and as the developer awaits obstruction evaluations from the FAA and approval from the Ohio Department of Transportation's Aviation Division.

FMI: www.sportys.com, www.facebook.com/ClermontAirport/