20070612 CCG News Release: Commissioners adopt Airport Master Plan

CCG News Release Commissioners adopt Airport Master Plan

News Release

For more information, contact: Vivian D. Laxton, (WAB) Public Information Administrator, 410-386-2973

For Immediate Release

Commissioners adopt Airport Master Plan

June 12, 2007 – 4:04 PM

Citing safety concerns and a need to increase Carroll County’s industrial tax base, the Board of County Commissioners today voted to extend the runway at Carroll County Regional Airport.

The 2-1 vote was to pursue the Technical Advisory Group’s recommended Alternative 3.

Commissioners Julia W. Gouge and Dean L. Minnich supported the measure, while Commissioner Michael D. Zimmer opposed it.

The plan calls for the runway to be relocated 250 feet west and 600 feet north.

The expected $56 million cost will be funded primarily by the Federal Aviation Administration’s trust fund (95 percent).

The remaining 5 percent will be evenly split between the Maryland Aviation Administration and revenue generated by the airport’s users.

New hangars will be paid for by private enterprises.

“If we had opted to rehabilitate the present runway, the airport would be closed for the better part of a year,” Commissioner Gouge said after the vote. “It is important to note that the county will address all the issues identified in the environmental assessment, which will be reviewed by numerous agencies.”

After the results of the environmental study are known, the Board of County Commissioners will vote on whether to proceed with extending the runway. Construction could begin in 2011.

A new runway would be operational sometime in 2013. It is expected to create “significant economic and fiscal returns” for the county, according to a study by the Sage Policy Group.

# # #

20070612 Commissioners vote to go ahead with airport expansion

Commissioners vote to go ahead with airport expansion

By a vote of 2 to 1, the Carroll County commissioners decided this morning to move forward with plans to expand the Carroll County Regional Airport.

10:25 AM, June 12^th, 2007

Live - remote - blogging the commissioners’ deliberations of the proposed expansion of the airport…

9:56 AM, June 12^th, 2007

Cindy Parr made a brief presentation on the four alternatives as to the proposed expansion of the airport.

At the conclusion of Ms. Parr’s presentation, the president of the board of commissioners, Julia Gouge asked for deliberations.

Commissioner Mike Zimmer led off with a discussion of the safety, quality of life, money and the environmental impacts of the proposed airport expansion.

Before his discussion of those issues he commented that he was satisfied with the process in which the proposed expansion has been considered.

In the end he has come decided upon the no-build option.

Commissioner Dean Minnich then spoke…

He despaired at the misinformation that has been disseminated. He shared that the county is not planning to build Friendship Airport. He commented that improvements to Rte 97 have continued and will be forthcoming.

He said that ever since his first election campaign for commissioner issues of economic development have been discussed…

He noted that the airport is not the lynchpin for economic development but it is a piece…

He lamented that there isn’t anything that we can do that will not have an adverse impact on someone.

He also expressed satisfaction with the process.

He said that he is inclined to favor Option Three.

Commissioner Julia Gouge then spoke. She said that by looking at the outlying area it leads one to conclude that the county will not be building another BWI.

She focused upon the safety aspects of the expanded airport.

She noted that even if the no-build option is chosen the runway will have to be refurbished in the future…

She noted that the airport has been there a long time and anyone who has purchased a home near the airport has known that there is an airport there…

At that board of commissioners’ president Gouge entertained a motion. Commissioner Minnich motioned to adopt Option Three. Commissioner Gouge seconded the motion.

Commissioners Minnich and Gouge voted yes and Commissioner Zimmer voted no.

At the point Commissioner Gouge noted that the next step is to proceed with an environmental study. Commissioner Minnich noted that noise is a component of the environmental study.

10:25 AM

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20070610 The Carroll County Regional Airport decision

The Carroll County Regional Airport decision

Sunday, June 10^th, 2007

First of all - the extraordinary level of the acrimonious debate that has swirled around this decision since the days of last fall’s county commissioner election campaign initially took many of us by surprise – and has only grown to a level beyond unfortunate.

The most recent discussions about expanding the airport began around December 2003 and some suggest that it was really in the late 1990s that the idea began to circle the runway.

By critical analysis the county commissioners have been open and forthcoming in developing the criteria in order to make a decision and folks who have only recently discovered the impending decision and are suggesting some grand conspiracy bankrupt their credibility.

With only 11.6 percent commercial and industrial tax base; the fact that residential property taxes will never maintain enough revenue to fund the increased demands for county government services has been discussed for the last 15 to 20 years.

Expanding the economic development opportunities afforded by expanding the capacity and attractiveness of the airport was essentially a no-brainer for those looking at the big picture.

The one fly in the ointment is the recent residential development in close proximity of the airport in recent decades.

In spite of the fact that folklore has an airport in that location since the 1920s and that a more organized airport structure was dedicated on June 5^th, 1943; folks nevertheless opted to purchase homes near the airport. Most folks adopted a live and let live approach to having an airport in the neighborhood for decades - - then came the houses and a totally new approach.

The fact that many of us have questioned allowing the close proximity of housing developments to the airport is now moot. The facts on the ground are that the houses are there.

And any future expansion of the airport must take into consideration the safety and enjoyment of the folks who live near the airport.

Many feel that can be accomplished – perhaps by working together and maybe even being creative.

Certainly the suggestion of forming a Citizens Advisory Council is good beginning.

Another idea may very well be to grant property tax credits in the airport’s immediate zone of influence. Ultimately some of the houses may need to be purchased by the county as they come on the market.

And finally a large area surrounding the airport must be zoned in a manner that only facilitates business, commercial and industrial use and no more residential housing.

Other ideas must be considered by perhaps a Citizens Advisory Council and meaningful dialogue with the groups that have formed in opposition to the expansion.

The one challenge at present is that many of the folks who are opposed to the expansion of the airport have not been overly friendly about their opposition and a breakdown in trust has occurred in their discussions with the commissioners and county staff.

To be certain the reservations expressed by many of the airport neighbors should be taken into consideration with any future airport expansion plans.

What needs to be taken into consideration are the real impacts and not the uber-exaggerated “sky is falling” and the "end of civilization as we know it" fears that have been expressed as the decision has drawn near. Ultimately that has been a disservice to everyone involved.

It is always a matter of curiosity for those of us who have served in public office as to why folks who wish to promote an agenda feel that they can move the ball forward by being profoundly, if not unbearably unpleasant.

My ear to the ground indicates that even among some folks who have reservations about whether or not to expand the airport have been turned off by the opposition.

And that is not a good thing, as there are legitimate questions that should be answered in the long range planning of the airport, even among the many of us who feel that expanding the airport is good for the greatest number of Carroll countians and in the long run, good for the county.

Certainly the reservations of the neighbors are legitimate and need to be addressed as much as possible, but we would have all been better off without the personal attacks upon the decision makers – and their staff.

Nevertheless - - In the interest in creating additional community employment and tax base, the best decision for the greater portion of Carroll countians is to approve the expansion of the airport. Hopefully, later this morning, at the commissioners’ meeting today at 10 AM – the commissioners will agree.

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20070611 Recent local newspaper coverage of the proposed airport expansion

A listing of recent local newspaper coverage of the proposed airport expansion

June 11^th, 2007

For more posts on “Soundtrack” about Carroll County Regional Airport go to: Carroll County Regional Airport

Kelsey Volkmann coverage in the Baltimore Examiner:

Airport’s night-light, fuel pump broken - 06/12/2007
Commissioners are scheduled to vote today on whether to lengthen the runway at Carroll County Regional Airport in Westminster. But a source familiar with airport operations questions whether an expansion is appropriate when it can’t seem to keep up with basic maintenance.
http://www.examiner.com/a-775756~Airport_s_night_light__fuel_pump_broken.html

Airport meeting disappoints - 06/08/2007
Residents opposed to the lengthening of the runway at the Carroll County Regional Airport said they were disappointed by their meeting with county commissioners Thursday.
http://www.examiner.com/a-770037~Airport_meeting_disappoints.html

Residents against expansion petition county lawmakers - 06/05/2007
It was a two-pronged attack.
http://www.examiner.com/a-763822~Residents_against_expansion_petition_county_lawmakers.html

Carrie Knauer coverage in the Carroll County Times:

Airport expansion: Impact of proposal examined

The much-debated airport expansion plan, which is part of the Carroll County Regional Airport Master Plan, includes a longer runway, new hangars and other amenities to attract more business to the airport and nearby business parks. But some residents... Jun. 11, 2007; scored 775.0

Residents share mixed feelings

On Tuesday, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on the Carroll County Regional Airport master plan, which includes recommendations to build a new 6,400-foot runway north and west of the existing runway. While residents who ... Jun. 11, 2007; scored 775.0

More ire for airport

Protesters seek injunction against commissioners After failing to receive an injunction to prevent the Carroll County Board of Commissioners from voting on the airport master plan today, members of Concerned Citizens United took their protest from th... Jun. 12, 2007;

Runway in need of funds

Airport expansion opponents who met with Carroll County commissioners Thursday walked away from the table discouraged, saying they believe the commissioners have already made up their minds to go forward with the expansion. Ron Buczkowski, Cheri Grub... Jun. 8, 2007;

Westminster Eagle coverage of the airport expansion matter:

Neighbors decry impact of airport expansion 05/30/07 - By Katie V. Jones

The deterioration of quality of life -- whether by pollution, traffic or lack of security -- was the biggest concern presented last week to the Board of County Commissioners at a public hearing re...

Issues related to airport proposal need clear review

05/24/07 - Guest Opinion by Cindy Parr — Chief of Administrative Services for Carroll County Government In recent months, much has been written about the Carroll County Regional Airport's (CCRA) proposed expansion effort.

This letter is intended to serve as a clarification of the facts as they...

News Briefs 05/23/07 - CCPS cuts $8.9 million from requested budget

As the Board of County Commissioners wraps this year's budget process, the public school system acted last week to trim $8.9 million from its initial...

Letters 05/23/07 - Airport debate hasn't been as open as it should be

I appreciate The Westminster Eagle's attestation that the nuances of the proposed airport master plan may perhaps be too much to be adequately ...

Airport options face public

05/16/07 - By Jim Joyner

To build or not to build ... or maybe to build a little or a lot.

Those are the questions being posed for the future of the Carroll County Regional Airport, and they are also the subject of ...

Airport master plan needs to circle the field before landing 05/16/07 - EDITORIAL

Next week's budget hearing on the proposed master plan for Carroll County Regional Airport promises to be high-flying -- the options for upgrades at the airport already have a followin...

Letters 04/11/07 - Residents will see airport expansion impact in taxes

Raise your hand if you own a corporate jet. I rest my case -- so much for an expansion of the airport directly benefiting local citizens.

W...

Dropping a hot potato in the commissioner's laps

04/11/07 - By David Grand

That's how I'd describe the dilemma the commissioners find themselves in, having to choose between expanding the airport's runway for the county's financial gain -- by being able to handle larger ...

No happy landing for Sage study 04/05/07 - By Katie V. Jones

Local residents took the opportunity on Monday to sound off on a recent study on the economic impacts of a proposed expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport.

Many in the large crowd that...

News Briefs 03/28/07 - Sage to present findings of county airport study

Anirban Basu of the Sage Policy Group will host a public meeting next Monday to discuss the findings of a study on the economic impact of Carroll...

20070611 "Concerned Citizens United" takes their case against airport to City Hall

"Concerned Citizens United" takes their case against airport to City Hall

June 11^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

About a dozen members of Concerned Citizens United took their case against the proposed expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport to the Westminster Common Council meeting this evening.

After protesting outside for about a half-an-hour before the meeting, the group attended the common council meeting; waiting an hour for the opportunity to speak during “citizen’s comments.”

At the beginning of citizens comments Council president Roy Chiavacci asked who wanted to speak on the matter of the airport and gave each speaker five minutes each. A number of members of the group took him up on his offer.

The first person to speak was Victoria Oneda, the organizer of the group, who went through all the talking points and questions in a handout they provided for the council members.

Ms. Oneda said that she and her group was “trying to create a dialogue about” the proposed expansion. And that she and members of her group – and Carroll County “citizens were unaware about the airport expansion” until only recently.

“Where is the water,” asked Ms. Oneda as she proceeded to ask some questions about city plans to develop a water supply from Medford Quarry. Where is the county going to get water for the expansion, asked Ms. Oneda.

She continued by asking, “What is the progress of the improvements for Rte 97? What if Marty Hill cannot sell his houses because of the airport?”

The next gentleman to speak announced that he lives in the city and has “consistently paid for more water than he uses…” He said that he has “lived here for over twenty five years... (and that the city) seems to be always be behind when it comes to sewage facilities.”

After further questions about “airport expansion taxes,” the dialogue continued as to whether or not the airport is not in the city… The runway is in the county? But the businesses out by the airport were in the city…, he asked?

He finished by remarking that in the research impact study that he reviewed, it did not take into consideration the impact on city.

The next person to speak had concerns about the economic impacts the proposed expansion of the airport will have on the city.

He then commented that earlier in the meeting “Mr. Pecoraro has alluded to a disconnect between the city and the county. The city will be impacted by the 737 larger planes that will be landing at the expanded airport.”

Commenting further he expressed concern about “noise pollution and air pollution” and that “conflicting information was being disseminated.” It has been reported that “the FAA is going to pick up 95 percent of the cost. (But) his calculation is that the FAA will only cover 25 percent of the costs for the expansion… It is not all as rosy as the commissioners” are presenting the expansion, he concluded.

Mr. Oneda was the next person to speak. He advocated the formation of a “Citizens Advisory Committee” (CAC). He noted that in information he read, the FAA required a TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) but also strongly suggested the formation of a Citizens Advisory Committee.

The reason he cited that it would be good to form a CAC “because the county has been so quiet about (the proposed expansion) and it is raising public distrust. Why are they hiding from this?”

Former Westminster Common Councilwoman, Rebekah Orenstein expressed concerns about Pennsylvania Avenue. She remarked that she had “met with Mr. (Steve)Powell (Carroll county commissioners’ chief of staff) last week for over an hour.”

Ms. Orenstein expressed concern that “none of you all are aware of (the airport expansion.) I’m very concerned about this,” in a reference to earlier discussion that the Westminster officials had expressed some concern that they had asked for a briefing about the purposed expansion but that meeting never took place. And yet she was able to easily able to have a meeting with Mr. Powell.

Her next concern was the “noise issue.” The “big jets are terrifying…” She expressed fear of the noise the big jets made, “especially after 9/11.”

“You folks have let this city and its residents down. Ms Kowalski came to you months ago and you dusted her off.” And the county has also dusted the Westminster officials off, she lectured.

The next person to speak said that she “was not a citizen of the city.” But she spends “a lot of time here.” I’m opposed to the airport because of the larger jets that it will be using it. Bigger planes make bigger noise,” she said.

“I would think that you would demand better communication with the county commissioners. You have every right to demand that you be kept informed. The Westminster council deserves to know what is going on,” she implored.

David Taylor, the next speaker, had safety concerns that he wanted councilman Kevin Utz to comment. A discussion ensued about safety issues concerning the airport expansion…

Beatrice Wolf remarked that the airport “has a lot of planes coming in low, making a lot of noise and I’m opposed to it.”

And finally a gentleman said he didn’t “think that it is necessary for the airport to have larger airplanes.” He noted that BWI is not that far away.

####

20070611 Concerned Citizens United Westminster Common Council Meeting presentation

Concerned Citizens United Westminster Common Council Meeting presentation

June 11^th, 2007 Westminster City Hall:

Questions about: The Proposed Airport Expansion

Concerned Citizens United

1. Where is the water?

How is the Union Mills, MD reservoir going to become a reality? Is it true that you may be unable to purchase the land?

The city is committed to the construction of an emergency pipeline from Medford Quarry to the Cranberry Reservoir. Construction of this nine mile long emergency pipeline is slated to begin this summer. Is this construction on schedule?

Businessman CJ Miller made a comment about the lack of water in response to the Sage Policy Economic Impact report at Carroll Community College (during public comments)

2. Where are the road improvements for Route 97?

Maryland Route 97 is still a two-lane country road bearing the brunt of commuters from the northern end of the county, and from the airport/industrial park. The number of car accidents, fatalities, and traffic congestion says it all.

The MD Department of Transportation said they haven't seen any plans yet in relation to this airport expansion proposal.

April 15, 2004? Minutes of Zoning and Planning Commission?

"... .Extremely concerned with the safety along MD Route 97, and the additional impact these developments will have on an already unsafe road."

"....Developers of this industrial park and the (Boulton?) Hill residential developments will be adding over $1 million worth of improvements to MD Route 97."

Zoning Commissioners "will consider no further site plans for the (Boulton?) Hill and Meadow Branch Industrial Park until the improvements to MD Route 97 have commenced."

•Is real estate developer Marty Hill still planning to pay for the improvements needed for Route 97?

What if Marty Hill withdraws his offer: if he is unable proceed with the development plans for (Boulton?) Hill, or if he can't sell any of his homes due to an airport expansion?

3. WHO is going to decide what is best for OUR COUNTY?

The Federal Government?

Whenever any requirement on performance standard contained in this zone is in conflict with any applicable state or federal requirement or performance standard, the state or federal requirement of performance standard shall control or supersede the provisions of this zone.

4. When can we meet back with you to get answers to these questions and concerns?

20070524 Issues related to airport proposal need clear review by Cindy Parr

Issues related to airport proposal need clear review

{For more posts on “Soundtrack” about Carroll County Regional Airport go to: Carroll County Regional Airport}

05/24/07

Guest Opinion by Cindy Parr — Chief of Administrative Services for Carroll County Government

In recent months, much has been written about the Carroll County Regional Airport's (CCRA) proposed expansion effort.

This letter is intended to serve as a clarification of the facts as they relate to the proposed expansion of this facility.

First and foremost, it is critical to note there are four components that are associated with the proposed expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport.

They are: safety, noise, airport status and funding.

The first issue is safety. Safety has always been at the forefront of this proposed plan. The plan, if accepted, would allow the runway to be expanded by 1,300 feet. A longer runway enhances the ability to reduce noise by thrust reduction for take off and landing. This also provides for a much safer operating environment as aircraft have more space to gain speed for departure and more distance to brake when landing.

Another benefit of the longer runway is noise reduction. Decreasing engine thrust results in lower noise levels. Turbine engine thrust produces the sound that is associated with jet engines. In essence, a longer runway translates into less thrust which means less noise.

Carroll County Regional Airport has been designated as a reliever facility since 1994. The responsibility of a reliever airport is to provide an alternative for corporate and general aviation aircraft to operate in a non commercial environment.

CCRA is not a commercial airport that offers scheduled flight services. There are four major commercial flight facilities -- BWI- Thurgood Marshall, Dulles, Reagan National and Harrisburg International -- that offer these types of services. Their proximity to Carroll County precludes the CCRA from becoming a commercial facility.

Funding has been another contentious subject surrounding the proposed airport expansion. The Carroll County Regional Airport is an enterprise fund. Basically, this means the airport generates its operating dollars from user fees, fuel sales and hangar rentals.

Fiscal years 2003, '04, '05 and '06 show revenues exceeding expenditures. User fees include tie-downs, overnight aircraft parking and landing charges. In addition to these fees, the CCRA collects a fuel flow fee and rent from seven corporate hangar clients. The CCRA also receives rental income from properties that are contiguous to the airport.

Each year, the airport is given $150,000 from the Airport Improvement Program, a trust fund managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This trust fund generates these trust fund dollars through user fees from all airports nationwide. These funds are not generated by local, state or federal tax payer dollars.

The Airport Improvement Program is the source for FAA airport construction funding. It is this trust fund that would supply the monies to fund 95 percent of the proposed airport expansion.

The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) would fund 2.5 percent and the remaining 2.5 percent would come from the Carroll County Airport Enterprise fund. The dollars from the County's Enterprise Fund are generated from user fees, not county taxpayer dollars.

In conclusion, understanding and recognizing the facts of the proposed airport expansion; whether they support a specific agenda or not, is critical.

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20070516 Airport options face public by Jim Joyner

Airport options face public

For more on the airport and other Carroll County community news, issues and events coverage go to: Westminster Eagle

For more posts on “Soundtrack” about Carroll County Regional Airport go to: Carroll County Regional Airport

05/16/07 by Jim Joyner

To build or not to build ... or maybe to build a little or a lot.

Those are the questions being posed for the future of the Carroll County Regional Airport, and they are also the subject of a public hearing to be held next Wednesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster.

The hearing will focus on a quartet of options for the airport -- from a no-build alternative to a plan that would expand and relocate the main runway some 375 feet to the west.

Early this month the Board of County Commissioners received a presentation as part of the airport's master plan review, compiled by the engineering firm URS.

The company has taken part in a study of the airport dating back to 2004, when the county formed a technical advisory committee and hosted a series of meetings.

At the May 1 presentation, the commissioners opted not to embrace any particular option, but set the stage for the public hearing.

Options being considered include (estimated costs in parenthesis):

*No Build -- which would keep the current runway, but would still require repairs and resurfacing that would close the runway for an estimated six months. ($8.7 million)

*Alternative 1 -- extending the existing runway to 300 feet, which would accommodate some, but not all, moderate-size aircraft. Doing this would also close the runway, for about seven months for construction. ($42.8 million)

*Alternative 2 -- relocating the runway 375 feet to the west, which would leave the existing runway available as a taxiway. This expansion would mean the county would have to acquire a nearby asphalt plant off Vision Way Drive, as well as the Arc of Carroll County facility on Krider's Church Road. ($59.3 million)

*Alternative 3 -- relocating the runway 250 feet to the west and 600 feet north. This shift would also require acquisition of the asphalt plant, but not the Arc of Carroll. ($56 million)

Officials say FAA user fee funds would pay for up to 95 percent of the "build" alternatives.

The master plan also includes provisions for new corporate hangars and other improvements.

Last month officials of the Sage Policy Group offered its own review of the airport expansion plan from an economic standpoint.

The Sage study said an expansion would bring an economic boost to the county, but acknowledged that noise, traffic and impact on neighbors would also be part of any expansion plan.

The Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association, a Westminster-based group that has opposed an expansion, reiterated that position after the Sage study, saying, "Allowing the airport to retain its current size would maintain the delicate balance which now exists between airport users and the quality of life of thousands of residents living north, south, east and west of the airport."

Both the URS presentation to the commissioners and the Sage Study are online at www.ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/default.asp.

The draft Regional Airport Master Plan is available for review at the Carroll County Regional Airport Terminal, 200 Airport Drive, Westminster; and at the county's Office of Performance Auditing and Special Projects, 225 N. Center St., Westminster.

It's also at all five Carroll County Public Library branches.

At the public hearing, speakers will be limited to three minutes, but written comments will be accepted prior to the hearing.

They may be addressed to Kathryn L. Rauschenberg, County Clerk, at 225 N. Center St., Westminster, MD 21157, or via e-mail to krauschenberg AT ccg.carr.org.

For more information, call Cindy Parr, chief of Administrative Services, at 410-386-2043.

20070504 Notice Of Public Hearing Carroll County Regional Airport

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Carroll County Regional Airport on May 23, 2007 at 7 PM

For more information: Carroll County Regional Airport

The County Commissioners of Carroll County will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., at the Scott Center, Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Maryland, 21157, to hear public comments regarding proposed alternatives for improvements at the Carroll County Regional Airport as reflected in the Report prepared by URS for the Carroll County Regional Airport Master Plan (“Plan”).

The public hearing will afford interested parties the opportunity to provide comments on the URS Report and the draft Plan.

The Commissioners may accept, reject, or make amendments to the proposed Plan based upon the comments received at the hearing and may do so without further hearing.

Therefore, it is important for interested persons to be present to make comments.

Anyone requiring accommodation is asked to please contact the American with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Jolene G. Sullivan, at 410-386-3600 or 1-888-302-8978 at least five days in advance so that arrangements may be made.

The URS Report and proposed Plan may be reviewed and copies obtained at the Office of the County Clerk, Carroll County Office Building, 225 North Center Street, Room 300, Westminster, Maryland, 21157, during normal business hours after Monday, May 14, 2007.

Copies will also be available for review after May 14, 2007, at the following locations:

1) Carroll County Regional Airport Terminal Building, 200 Airport Drive, Westminster, Maryland, 21158;

2) Office of Performance Auditing and Special Projects, 225 North Center Street, Room 211, Westminster, Maryland, 21157; and

3) Carroll County Public Library locations: Westminster – 55 East Main

Street, Westminster, Maryland, 21157; Eldersburg – 6400 Hemlock Drive, Sykesville, Maryland, 21784; Taneytown – 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown, Maryland, 21787; North Carroll – 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead, Maryland, 21074; and Mt. Airy – 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy, Maryland, 21771.

The entire proposed Plan and Report will also be available on the County website [ccgovernment.carr.org] after May 14, 2007.

Written comments may be addressed to Kathryn L. Rauschenberg, County Clerk, 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland, 21157 (krauschenberg@ccg.carr.org) and will be considered if received prior to the close of the hearing.

Both oral or written comments may be given at the hearing. Questions should be addressed to Gary L. Horst, Senior Auditor, Office of Performance Auditing and Special Projects, phone 410-386-2340, 225 North Center Street, Room 211, Westminster, Maryland, 21157 (ghorst@ccg.carr.org); TT 410-848-9747.

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CARROLL COUNTY, MARYLAND

4263-0019\TCB/tlh/Z:\ATTORNEY\PUBLICHEARINGS\AIRPORT\MASTERPLAN\Notice.doc\05/04/07

20070322 A couple of columns by Hugh McLaurin

A couple of columns by Hugh McLaurin that are worth a read

“Airport benefits community”

“Arts flourish in Carroll”

March 22, 2007

Roaming around on the Carroll County Times web site I came across two columns by one of my favorite columnists at the Times… Hugh McLaurin.

Read the two columns quickly before the links go bad. On my wish list for the Carroll County Times web site are an RSS Feed and permalinks.

But then again, mind you, I’m not throwing stones. I only wish I had just two items on the wish list for “Soundtrack.”

The first column, on the matter of expanding the Carroll County Regional Airport, causes me to wonder if after he published it – he was not whisked away to an undisclosed location.

The folks who are upset with the idea of the airport expanded are usually, how shall I say, aggressive with anyone who dares write in support of the airport – and/or the airport expanding.

More often than not the opponents personally attack you, your mother, and anything that moves or breathes near you.

I know many of the opponents and have known one of the spearheads of the anti-expansion initiative, for sometime. He is neat people. I’m just predisposed to disagree with him on this issue…

Darn shame about their approach because as with any public policy decision, contrarian and counter arguments have their place. To be sure, even though for the most part, Mr. McLaurin’s second paragraph is most applicable, their concerns must be heard and taken into consideration with any expansion.

[His second paragraph reads:

A common scenario goes like this: Sprawl overtakes an airport that once sat on a rural tract of land outside of town. Houses go up around the airport and people who move in knowing full well that the airport is there decide that it has to go, citing concerns over noise and safety.]

I’ve weighed-in on my thoughts about the airport before; however, I maintain an open mind and will wait to see what actually goes on the table in front of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners before I pass judgment on the expansion plans… My columns, written from the days when I was with the Westminster Advocate are here: “20050921 Carroll Airport outlook good” and here: “20050817 Dedication of the Westminster Airport in 1943.” (Or find them both here.) (I’ve posted them on “Soundtrack” because there were written before the Westminster Advocate had a web site… Now it has a nice web site – check it out here.)

Meanwhile, Mr. McLaurin’s Sunday, March 11, 2007 Carroll County Times column is titled, “Airport benefits community.”

The second column which caught my eye is an equally good read: “Arts flourish in Carroll.”

I’ve written about the art scene in Carroll County before, especially focusing on the economic benefits of the arts. I’ll have to double back at a later time and find the articles and call them to your attention.

Meanwhile, Mr. McLaurin gives a nice synopsis of the arts scene in Carroll County and his column is a nice read.

If ya go to the web site, give their blogs a try. I like to read the editor, Jim Lee’s posts. I like them better than some of his editorials which make me wanna throw coffee cups… His latest blog post is right on the money: “We're obsessed with firsts.” Go there and leave a comment that we want the publisher, Sarah Baker to run for president…

I have often wondered why Mr. Lee has a decent picture to go with his columns and posts when so many of the other pictures of the other journalists at the Carroll County Times are sooooo baaaad. See: “20060622 A picture suggestion for Jamie Kelly.” Or – “20070305 Frederick News-Post web cast.”

While you are on the web site, take time to read everything that Carrie Knauer writes. It will be time well spent.

If you are accessing this post at a later date and the links have gone bad, e-mail me and I’ll fix it somehow…

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff(at)carr.org

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20060824 Carroll Jt Neighborhood Assoc CC Regional Airport Exp Fact Sheet

Carroll Jt. Neighborhood Assoc. CC Regional Airport Exp Fact Sheet

August 24, 2006

I wanted to call to your attention a Fact Sheet e-mailed to me from the Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association concerning the issues of a possible expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport.

For more information, contact Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association at cjna01@adelphia.net or (410) 857-1970

CARROLL COUNTY REGIONAL

AIRPORT EXPANSION FACT SHEET

Last Updated: August 13, 2006

Our Carroll County Government is promoting an expansion of the airport that would more than double the airport’s size, adding many more hangars and extending the runway by 1,300 feet, to a total of approximately 6,400 feet.

Airport Expansion Would Drain County Funds

The airport was expanded 12 years ago and it continues to lose money. Last year, there was a net operating loss of over $100,000.00. In the last six years, losses were more frequent than gains, and the losses were substantially greater than the gains. If the airport's size doubles, the potential exists for even greater losses. Since the airport is owned by the County and subsidized by County funds each year, who would make up for the increased losses?

If the airport is expanded, numerous security measures would need to be put into place. The County is attempting to acquire funds from Homeland Security. However, Homeland Security funds are very tight. If they cannot fund the added security, the County has said they would fund it. How much would that cost? Would the county, in fact, pay for added security, or would they leave us with an airport over twice the size, with inadequate security. (We were told on April 11, 2006 that current security at the airport consists of “somebody at the gas pump.”)

A County administrator informed us in the spring that County funds would pay $2 million toward the runway expansion. Now, they are waffling on this information. What are the real facts?

Taxpayer dollars are finite and are better spent on commercial revitalization projects and needed services.

Airport Expansion is Unnecessary

There is no evidence to suggest a need or demand to accommodate larger corporate jets. A County administrator told us for months that there was a long waiting list for corporate hangars. When asked for a copy of the waiting list, he replied, "I stopped keeping a waiting list."

At a June 7, 2006 meeting a County Commissioner remarked that “these numbers don’t add up,” referring to projections regarding future use of the airport. The community has never received updated or corrected data from the county.

Airports in nearby counties have ready access to major interstate highways. This makes them suitable for airport expansion projects. We have no such interstate highway access.

What Can I Do?

Go to ccramasterplan.com and learn more.

Write letters to the editor of Carroll County Times, the Eagle, the Advocate, Baltimore Examiner, Baltimore Sun, or the Gazette.

Ask the County Commissioner Candidates (including incumbents) where they stand on an expanded airport.

Help raise public awareness by sharing this information.

For more information, contact Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association at cjna01@adelphia.net or (410) 857-1970

20060824 KDDC Carroll Jt Neighborhood Assoc CC Regional Airport Exp Fact Sheet

Carroll Jt. Neighborhood Assoc. CC Regional Airport Exp Fact Sheet

August 24, 2006

I wanted to call to your attention a Fact Sheet e-mailed to me from the Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association concerning the issues of a possible expansion of the Carroll County Regional Airport.

For more information, contact Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association at cjna01@adelphia.net or (410) 857-1970

CARROLL COUNTY REGIONAL

AIRPORT EXPANSION FACT SHEET

Last Updated: August 13, 2006

Our Carroll County Government is promoting an expansion of the airport that would more than double the airport’s size, adding many more hangars and extending the runway by 1,300 feet, to a total of approximately 6,400 feet.

Airport Expansion Would Drain County Funds

The airport was expanded 12 years ago and it continues to lose money. Last year, there was a net operating loss of over $100,000.00. In the last six years, losses were more frequent than gains, and the losses were substantially greater than the gains. If the airport's size doubles, the potential exists for even greater losses. Since the airport is owned by the County and subsidized by County funds each year, who would make up for the increased losses?

If the airport is expanded, numerous security measures would need to be put into place. The County is attempting to acquire funds from Homeland Security. However, Homeland Security funds are very tight. If they cannot fund the added security, the County has said they would fund it. How much would that cost? Would the county, in fact, pay for added security, or would they leave us with an airport over twice the size, with inadequate security. (We were told on April 11, 2006 that current security at the airport consists of “somebody at the gas pump.”)

A County administrator informed us in the spring that County funds would pay $2 million toward the runway expansion. Now, they are waffling on this information. What are the real facts?

Taxpayer dollars are finite and are better spent on commercial revitalization projects and needed services.

Airport Expansion is Unnecessary

There is no evidence to suggest a need or demand to accommodate larger corporate jets. A County administrator told us for months that there was a long waiting list for corporate hangars. When asked for a copy of the waiting list, he replied, "I stopped keeping a waiting list."

At a June 7, 2006 meeting a County Commissioner remarked that “these numbers don’t add up,” referring to projections regarding future use of the airport. The community has never received updated or corrected data from the county.

Airports in nearby counties have ready access to major interstate highways. This makes them suitable for airport expansion projects. We have no such interstate highway access.

What Can I Do?

Go to ccramasterplan.com and learn more.

Write letters to the editor of Carroll County Times, the Eagle, the Advocate, Baltimore Examiner, Baltimore Sun, or the Gazette.

Ask the County Commissioner Candidates (including incumbents) where they stand on an expanded airport.

Help raise public awareness by sharing this information.

For more information, contact Carroll Joint Neighborhood Association at cjna01@adelphia.net or (410) 857-1970