Wendell News Outlet

Mr. Gunderson’s response to my article regarding the proposed development of a General Aviation Airport, smack in the middle of Wendell, was greatly appreciated. Although I don’t share his point of view, I’m sure there is a compromise position that would satisfy us both. The placement of the airport about a mile or so from the center of Wendell is my biggest objection. Think about it, we would have an airport with propeller driven planes, small jets and helicopters taking off and landing every day.

Let’s look at some of the information contained in the airport feasibility study found on the Wendell website. The following are excerpts taken directly from that report: (I have also interjected a few personal comments)

1 -Eastern Wake County is currently underserved in terms of access to the national air transportation network. (We are? I hadn’t noticed!)

2 – Registered Aircraft in Wake County:
60 Fixed wing jet/turbine
17 Fixed wing multi-engine piston
457 Fixed wing single engine piston (Planes using leaded gasoline that pollutes the air)
21 Helicopter Turbine
3 Helicopter piston
Total aircraft = 558

3 – Estimate that 20-60 aircraft would initially be based at a new airport depending on location.

4 – 400+ acres of land required. (If they need more then they can take it via the process of “Eminent Domain” which refers to the power possessed by the state over all property within the state, specifically its power to appropriate property for a public use. You get paid for the property, but you have to sell, you have no choice!)

5 – This location would have the “most stream impacts; moderate wetlands impacts.”

6 – General Aviation Airport Services:
Fueling, tie-downs, aircraft maintenance and or repair, aircraft charters/rentals, hanger leasing, rental car leasing, flight training, ground school. Aircraft painting, avionics repair.

7 – Reasons not to move forward: (building of airport)
Potential noise impact to surrounding environmental and impacts to wetlands and streams. Potential need for use of eminent domain to acquire some of the property.

These are some of the “benefit’s” the people of Wendell will acquire with the construction of a General Aviation Airport within its borders. Do we really want them? On Monday, January 28th. at town hall, a “presentation concerning Phase 2 Feasibility Study for establishing a new General Aviation Airport in Wake County” will be made. Don’t you think you owe it to yourself, your children and your grandchildren to be there? Come, listen, and make up your own mind about this project. As for me, I am opposed to the construction of an airport at the location they have selected. Why does it have to be in Wake County? There are many more rural areas outside Wake County, and in eastern North Carolina, that would be better suited and less intrusive of the population.

Some closing thoughts and questions:
Who stands to benefit financially from this project? Do you?
Would you want the government to exercise eminent domain and take away your property for the good of the community?
Homes and businesses would generate tax revenues if placed on the proposed airport site: do we really need jets and helicopters zooming in and out over our heads?

posted by Charlie Kramer  # 9:44 AM