What a travisty and a SHAM that this Hor"SHAM" board is leading. An entertainment center???? Are you kidding me? In these economic times people don't want fun, they want jobs and this is one that would end up just the the Village Mall area.....unfilled, rundown, and a trap for the undesirable. Maybe we could put more new strip clubs in to compete with the new Double Visions strip club that Hor"SHAM" approved.

Horsham RESIDENTS should be the only one's permitted to express what they want at the base.

I disagree. Airport and airport delevoplement will lead to a great number of permanent jobs. Just look at any other airport in the Northeast USA. And those jobs and busness pay for schools and township upgrades, reduce taxes and give opportunity to those who do not have jobs, like many of the returning vets. There jobs include those at the aiport and those supporting the aiport like rnetal car jobs, hotels, resturants, engineers, on going construction and the list goes on.

The only downside is noise, which can be easily regulated. Home values may actually go up. besides, there will be less nosie then when the base was an active military installation.

Philadelphia is the only large city besides Atlanta that does not have 2 commercial airports. This site would be idea, for a small commercial airport with service to other hubs, decrease the travil time to the main Philadelphia airport which from here can take more then an hour.

We need development with hard jobs, not entertainment. Without deveoplemnt, there will be no jobs, there will be a decreasing tax base and higher taxes. This is a rare oportunity, an already taylor made airport and industrial area. Just don't screw it up.

Am I correct that the individuals that are all for an airport do not reside in Horsham! I reside in Horsham and do not want any kind of airport at all. Destroy the airstrip and put roads through.

Actually, you are wrong, I live in next to Horsham, directly under the flight path. This is a regional issue not a pure local local one. Am I right in assuming those who do not want the airport have jobs or other sources of income?

Tara, if you believe that 100s of people from outside Horsham came to the meeting on Friday, you are WRONG. I work and live in Horsham. I travel around the world on business and do happen to know a little about the world outside of Horsham and can tell you that if we destroy this runway, not only us but our kids will pay a hefty price for it. In tomorrows world, infrastructure is king. One has to think and look decades out to determine the outcome of about 10 percent of our township. SaveWillowGrove.org is predominantly supported by Horsham residents. Individuals that are "all for an airport" are objective, well informed and also happen to be well wishers of the township.

If an airport is so important as stated by some: How do all these townships then survive without an airport? If a local airport is so vital why hasn't Bucks County extended their runway? Since some seem to think the only way a community can forge forward tomorrow is to have an airport if their is none in Horsham where will you all be fighting to put one or extend one? Does This supposed overwhelming NEED for an airport have a plan B if you don't get it in Horsham? I would think if you truly believe an airport is so vital it would have been a battle nearby prior to this and you would continue this battle somewhere else if it isn't in Horsham.

"aviator Harold Pitcairn owned the airfield prior to the military." National Defense dollars did NOT build that airstrip.

Tara,
The grass airfield was purchased from Harold F. Pitcairn with national defense dollars and then upgraded to the airport configuration that exists today, including paved runway, taxiway, aprons and hangers. The airport is now a taxpayer asset that would be prohibitively expensive to replace, even if there was a location to put it that has terrain sufficiently large a flat. Even the airport in horsham has reached it's expansion limit due to the surrounding terrain, which is fine because most people do not want it to expand to allow Cargo operations, myself included.

If you are interested in learning more about the airfield history, I recommend getting a copy of "Legacy of Wings, the Harold F. Pitcairn Story".
Thank you.

Now to the HLRA, only 2 members till about 4 weeks ago were Horsham residents. Rest of them are not. So I am not sure who is making the decisions for Horsham residents. Since many residents including me had pointed that out at public meetings, 2 additional members were added to the board and thankfully they both are Horsham residents which takes the count up to 4. Let it be known that not one of them is someone who has in-depth knowledge of aviation or airports. So how can they be fair to the airport being a viable option?

Over to the NOIs that have been submitted. To the best of my knowledge, only one NOI will potentially generate any revenue for the township and that happens to be one of the 2 "keep the airport" options. Unlike any other option, a GA airport can begin generating tangible benefits and revenue to the township in a much shorter duration of time. The consultants on Friday told us that changing the hanger doors would cost millions. What they did not tell us is that there are federal grants available for enhancements to a military airport to convert it into a GA airport.

So across the board, there is lack of truthful information. Are we all debating on a foregone conclusion? If so, it a shame for us and our kids (the next generation).

In closing, one can read into the facts any which way they want to tailor it to their circumstance/need. But if everyone in Horsham had an open mind to what is best for Horsham and the surrounding area, a plan that accommodates a GA airport along with a town center and a road infrastructure that reduces the traffic in general, we have a win-win situation that may trump not having an airport at all.

PS - I do live and work in the flight path of the old KNXX as it was known. I also am a pilot who learned to fly at Willow Grove and was taught by the best (US Navy) and I am a Lieutenant in the all volunteer Civil Air Patrol where I teach Aviation to kids aged 12 to 18 who aspire to be future pilots in the armed services. So I do have a vested interest but my interest brews from the larger good rather than personal gains.

Mr. Belcher & Mr. Amin: THANK YOU SO MUCH for changing the tenor of this conversation.

Mr. Belcher, I owe you a HUGE and public apology. You do have a name double who lives in Doylestown-Buckingham, and I am grossly remiss for not checking further. Nothing I can say will make it right except to say that this is why I ask that people identify themselves when entering into a discussion. You are fully right in correcting me, and I cannot say how I deeply deeply sorry I truly am.

I can only move forward.

I am a federal grantwriter, and no, once again I am surprised: I did not know there were grant opportunities available to help Horsham in the Base rehab. (This is why frank open discussions are so very useful!) That is highly relevant info. and I hope everyone takes the time to learn all the facts before making a decision. The Township needs to avail itself of all opportunities to keep the burden off taxpayers -- few would disagree with that, I believe.

Mr. Amin: I did open and read through the Merge Global report and found it quite compelling; thank you so much for sharing that. Everyone who is concerned with the Base issue should familiarize themselves with this easy to read document. I certainly am going to integrate that document into my thinking.

I remain concerned about pollutants, noise and traffic congestion, but I'm willing to look at all options.
I have to say that today's conversation with my neighbors has been elucidating ... and humbling!

Abington Memorial Hospital has a rooftop helipad. They don't need an air port too.

Clayton, You are a wealth of information!

Though I am on your side, I need to defend Carol and other readers that may not be aviation experts or may not have aviation expertise about a specific facet of aviation that you speak to. While what you say about noise, pollution and safety is true, you have background knowledge of the subject that others do not have. Also, while I understand the assumptions you are making because we both have an understanding of what is possible and not possible at the airport, others may or may not.

Noise, pollution and traffic (I think Carol means road traffic?) are legitimate concerns to have regarding any reuse plan or option however they are relative levels as you point out and are based on many basic assumptions. A quick perusal of the no airport website reveals a reference to the noise, traffic and pollution at Chicago O'hare airport, an airport that is twice as busy as Philadelphia International. If Carol thinks that is what would occur in Horsham, she would be right to be concerned. So, before comparing impact levels, the first step is to find out what specifically Carol's assumptions and therefor concerns are. Then you have the opportunity to educate about what is possible or not and to show the relative impact levels using published data so she and others have the information they need to make an informed decision.

Dear Neighbors: I am learning so much from this conversation. I have to leave this am for a business trip, so I'll respond now as I can and get back to you all later.

Prior to buying a home in Hatboro, I briefly lived close to the NE airport in Philly. I have to tell you the community there does not consider the airport to be a good neighbor. The noise is awful: mothers there teach their children to shield their ears when planes take off and land (I did the same when raising children here in Hatboro). In addition, since the airport had multiple departments and therefore a complex bureaucracy, the airport authorities were not nearly as responsive to neighborhood concerns as was the US Navy. Many residents of the NE wanted to move away as quickly as they could. I certainly did.

The road traffic around the NE airport is a constant problem. Go walk around the perimeter of that airport and you will see the density of traffic and hear the noise for yourselves. Ask yourselves: would I want to raise children here? Would I buy a house here?

How are we here in this community planning to mitigate anticipated increases in road traffic that will be engendered by ANY plan currently under consideration, including a GA airport?

Lastly, I encourage Mr. Belcher and others to also do some research and look into the well documented effects of airport-air vehicle pollutants. Yes, it's worse than cars. That's enough for today: I need to pack and will be back tomorrow. Thanks!

Another afterthought: Mr. Belcher, could you please provide us all with your source for your decibel numbers? I'd like to run those by a friend of mine, and will in turn, share and cite his findings. Of course, we would want to factor in the multiplicative effects caused by many air vehicles flying in and out of any airport on a daily basis. I agree that one lawnmower is loud, and the whole neighborhood gets going on their lawns, it's a din.

But if the noise level for a proposed airport exceeds comfortable/safe levels on a daily basis, that is real health concern for the community: don't you think? Carol

I'd just like to mention that the fact that this turned into a reasonable discussion on the issue is very uplifting to my mood on this subject. Keep up the good work guys. (It's amazing what happens when you have to place your name next to a comment and not be anonymous on the internet {like on other papers}) Rational discussion and information exchange. While we might not agree at least we can respect our neighbors good work guys.

Frances, That paper appears to have some really good information however it takes some study to really understand because it is so generalized and it appears to be based on major airport situations such as Los Angeles International, JFK and BWI. Given the context, it is surprising how little impact airport noise has on property values, and only then, the ones at the immediate end of the runways. As I said to Clayton, the basic assumptions need to be agreed upon first (size and type of airport) and then the data needs to be placed in context with the physical reality of the airport and surroundings at that specific airport.

Hi! I'm back from work and dinner for the kids.

I was drving home via 611, the DE Scenic Drive, and was wondering what kind of waterways lie in that land.

I've also read elsewhere on this and related posts that there's some Q of environmental contamination via toxic chemicals on the site: what do we know about that?

I'm interested in hearing more about Frances' documentation: what do you mean? Is there a disagreement (re: D. Pitcairn above) as to whether housing values will rise or fall, or am I missing something here?

So, tell me, exactly, what kind of GA airport do you envision? What do you see happening? How are sustainable jobs, tax base being brought by an ideal plan in your mind?

Also, is there time for the community to consider alternatives other than the NOIs currently under consideration? I've been talking to folks around town and there doesn't seem to be much consensus.

Did you ever consider an emergency rescue, national guard, medivac station for the Base? I bleieve Clayton mentioned that above. Isn't that in the spirit of the area's proud service to the nation?

I'm not certain who is in charge about making decisions about what happens next. Please advise. Thanks, Carol

An-to-date independent site with a wealth of evidence concerning negative health impacts on residents around airports of all types and the inability of current regulations to ensure the safety of citizens.

This site was recommended to me by the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC:

http://environment.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=environment&cdn=newsissues&tm=18&f=11&su=p284.9.336.ip_p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.us-caw.org/

I suggest that everyone, for and against airport development in the Grove, avail themselves of information on this site.

Agreed. It takes a lawyer to read through the literature on the legislation -- not my area of expertise, but perhaps someone on this site is better able to comment -- but I've spent the day reading the documentation on ill health effects is crystal clear and I believe should be strongly inserted into our discussions here about the Base.

http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/airplnde.pdf I was looking at the issue of deicing and how that causes a lot of population from airports and saw that the EPA has regulations for recovery of the deicing chemicals. I do see your concern though in the 90's there was a lot of issues with airports illegally dumping the chemicals they were collecting. Some local oversight would definitely be needed to ensure this was not happening. However it looks like if handled properly they can minimize the population from deicing. Of course if this is a small airport without the big planes most won't fly in icy conditions to begin with.... Most of the studies I've been readying are from the lat 90's, I wonder if there has been more recent studies or regulations that might minimize some of these risks.

I just want to commend all of you who have been debating this issue in the comment section on my site. Patch was launched with the idea of giving neighbors the opportunity for just this sort of well-reasoned, intelligent discussion on important local topics. Thank you all for lending your voices to this issue.
If you're interested in more on the topic, Patch contributor Keith Heffintrayer filed this follow-up story about the Montgomery County Commissioners meeting today – http://patch.com/A-jwZp.

Has anyone considered a SOLAR or WIND TURBINE "farm" on the property?? With energy rates soaring, the best use of the land would be to place the turbines or solar panels on the land to naturally produce power for Pennsylvania!

Just curious... how many of us have been attending the meetings?

To clarify that....I am pro-airport for general aviation as a corporate jet facility.

Sorry Jack, didn't intend to say anyone had to attend the meetings to post. Was just curious how many people posting attended.

Where is the list of meeting times and places? Is the next 6/27? I would like to attend, however, the 27th, I'm again on a business trip. What's the next one after that?

I just re-read this entire conversation. Some new people have joined and some are perhaps still reading, but not posting. My thinking has certainly evolved. We have a wealth of people with different opinions, resources, and research. I agree with Mr. Pitcairn above that all proposals on the table should be held to a high standard of scrutiny re: viability, safety, job creation, and the quality of life here in H-H. At some point, when we come more accustomed to a civil dialogue online, perhaps, when we meet, we will have a better understanding of each other's viewpoint and begin to heal the schism that has rift H-H neighbors since talk of closing the base began.

In reading over the links and literature presented here -- thanks to everyone, especially first-responders like Mr. Amin & Mr. Belcher -- it seems to me that some good ideas that were once in consideration are now off the table, and some others, such as the wind mill/solar energy, are just arising; these and others may need more time for development to the point where they become viable proposals. Even though the Qs of reusing the Base have been asked since the mid-2000s, I feel pressured for time and that adds to my stress. Is there time and place for more dialog, the development of new/old ideas, and the exploration of concerns & questions?

Theresa: thanks so much for this information! Where can I find notes on the meeting held by the HLRA yesterday? thanking you in advance, Carol

Sorry, but there is NOTHING that will convince me that saving the airbase as a functioning airport is in the best interests of the people who live in Horsham. The economic claims made for supporting an airport pale once you grasp the relatively slight impact the airbase has made to Horsham's economic well-being over the past two decades. Very little was realized economically, and the Township flourished nonetheless to the tune of becoming one of the BEST places in America to live. When you balance THAT against the negative effects of having a functioning airport in your neighborhood, it's a no-brainer economically, from the perspective of lifestyle, and safety and health.

If this was truly a "regional asset", then why did no "regional authority" ever step up and apply to be an LRA?? It appears to me this only became a "regional issue" once it became apparent that an airport WASN'T the overwhleming choice of the People of Horsham.

I know Mr. Fitzpatrick is watching this and reading all so Mr. Fitzpatrick, please becareful what you ask for when mentioning the F-14 crash. You may be very surpised at the feedback this may cause from the families of the men who died that day. I will be in contact with one fo the families tomorrow and hopefully they will allow me to speak for them on their behalf at some point. I personally believe they would be offended that you are using their brave sons's life to fight your battle.

We have been advised at every meeting that restrictions are not possible once it becomes an airport. That a cross airstrip could be built for UPS/Fedex if it is an airport. It could also be extended. So the statistics of corporate jets, little planes, etc... is no guarentee. Planes flying 24/7. If it's an airport it could be Philly international 2 within a blink of an eye.
I liked the persons idea to make the airstrip MAIN STREET!!!!!!
As far as who lives in Horsham, who doesn't, etc... Let's be realistic...what is built there impacts residents more then non-residents. It will impact how and where our children get to school. The ground traffic to get there and the air traffic noise & pollution 24/7. It will impact us doing routine things like going to the supermarket with traffic. Seems to me the neighboring townships seem very entitled to demand what should happen in Horsham. Would anothertpownship like if Horsham residents have input on where, what and how you build in your township? Wow-can u imagine if Horsham weighed in on every permit request for Warrington, Warminster, Doylestown, etc... No you can't put that restuarant there that will take business away from our restuarant 2 miles away. That will cause more traffic from philly through Horsham to get to your xyz building.
We've been advised that whatever is built won't be done for at least 20 years!

I personally do not have the skill set to figure out how a privatized medical/medevac/emergency aid and rescue center can grow into an economically viable enterprise. But here are some ideas from a concerned resident is who thinking holistically about the challenges we are facing:

One, taking advantage of the immediate and current expertise of those pilots trained by the military and putting those highly trained individuals in charge of overseeing any pilot or commercial concern that has a plane on the airbase that I am envisioning is a good idea. The military is not the only place where one can learn to be a good, safe pilot, but it's a darn good resource, time proven and tested, and I say let these meritorious individuals who already live in this area come forth and coalesce, and I, personally, would vote to put them in charge of overseeing all flights in and out of the Base.

So in addition to letting corporate interests generate revenue through plans that they have yet to announce, generating new jobs in and around aircraft maintenance, as well as medical and emergency services, would take advantage of existing skill sets that many people in this community already have. It brings jobs and generates tax revenues. It gives tomorrow's generations several viable and admirable careers that they can aspire to, and keeps great talent in this community.

I welcome respectful feedback and the posing of resources from folks who think they can rally around this idea.

Carol,

I am going to put this out in public eye so that everyone knows where I am coming from. I am going to ask you to stop researching peoples names and putting out where they live for the public knowledge. I feel this is a form of harrassment and intimidation. If we want everyone to know where we live and who we are we will put it out there. but in todays society I don't feel safe with that. Since you have already "done your research" and posted my name for all to see I will ask you to have it removed or I may be tempted to follow through with legal action.

When I applied to speak on this forum it did not ask for this info, so I do not wish to have my info out there for satey reseans. Please stop and please have it removed.

Thank you,

john

Carol,
I have very limited free time so am slow to respond to you since my job is very busy right now (no it does not have anything to do with an airport in Horsham) and it takes time to go to HLRA meetings. In the meantime, I would respectfully appreciate it if you stop spreading rumors and making claims that are not true. Savewillowgrove.org is made up of concerned private citizens, not corporate interests as you claim. To my knowledge, we have no monetary interest in the airport. As for corporate backing, we have taken in many donations from private individuals, non of whom, to my knowledge, have a financial interest in the base property. Also, savewillowgrove.org is independent of all NOI submitters and supports a non-cargo, non airline airport whether it is the HLRA, BCAA or even you proposing it. If someone is telling you different, they are making it up. Thank you
Why do you not have the same level of inquisitiveness about the motives behind those that oppose an airport with an anonymous website?

John, while the C-130s could operate off the runway, I believe KC-135s are not able to take off with a useful amount of fuel. Read the analysis by Ken Plunkett in the FAQ section of savewillowgrove.org

Does anyone have a figure on how much it will cost Horsham to remove the runway? Somewhere I saw a figure of 5.2 million to do the remainder of NADC runway, and NASJRB is a longer runway than NADC had.

According to an engineering study by Aviation Council of PA the estimated cost of removal is $50 to $55 million.

http://articles.philly.com/2011-03-17/news/29139023_1_airstrip-runway-montgomery-county

Ok, so my next question would be, who would pay for this and how would it be paid for? Taxes?

Ok, so my next question would be, who would pay for this and how would it be paid for? Taxes? Over what period of time? Any fiscal plans made for this at all? Seems to me if roads are to be put in this is one of the first things that would have to be done. Has anyone supplied this kind of info to the public for our consumption?

http://www.airfields-freeman.com/ This site has a lot of information on old airfields the fate of them and what people have said about their reuse as well as a lot of history, thought you guys would like to take a look.

Hatboro Mike, My understanding is that the runway has to be open 24/7 but given other airports have noise and time curfews, that does not mean planes are allowed to use it, just that it not be rendered unusable such that an emergency landing could not be made. Please let me know if you have contrary information on this topic compared to what I said.

I witnessed the no airport website folks being offered the option that they control the airport (be the airport authority). In other words, they would choose the contractors to prepare the airport for corporate use and what operations would be allowed and when. That would do two things, remove the fear of the airport growing, and remove concerns about individuals or corporations wanting the airport except for the companies we want to use or locate near the airport so that it creates jobs in the area. You can be on the Authority. Would that eliminate your concerns about airliners, cargo and potential special interests?

Lastly, since you seem to know what can land there, you may know that takeoff is the real problem for large aircraft, not the landing. What do you think can take off now (and on a regular basis given that the runway is not stressed for high frequency operations of large aircraft) and what runway length would give you comfort that airliners and cargo would be kept out, yet allow business jet operations to attract companies, given that you and friends would control the airport via the airport authority?

I guess the building of more homes that won't sell, making the families happy who, to no ones fault but their own, bought homes near the airport not knowing if it would ever close. How stupid are people in our day an age? Let's just do away with something that WILL benefit our community in so many way for something that will causes taxes to go up, and a lower quality of living. Why isn't Horsham putting out any numbers? I'll tell you why because it will take YEARS to get it to where they want it and WE ALL will pay for this in one way or another whether it be via taxes or our lifestyle. Its very sad the the LOUD minority always seem to have to be satisfied in our country so that we don't have to fear retribution.

Lastly, I'd like to know the make up and residences of the memebers of the HLRA. I'd also like to know what if any possibility there is that some or all stand to make out in a finanacial way. I'm am very sure that there are some on the board from reent reading who shouldn't be voting on this issue, just as the one gentleman who has publicly said he won't, and says others should also.

this needs to be a Bucks?Montgomery County vote isssue, not just Horsham.

Just ins case some did not know: Straint from the AOPA-

Simple Question:

What is General Aviation:

The simple answer:

General aviation is all civilian flying except scheduled
passenger airline service.
As simple as that?
Yes. And as complex as that. General aviation includes
flying as diverse as overnight package delivery and a
weekend visit back home; as different as emergency
medical evacuation and inspection trips to remote
construction sites; as complementary as aerial
application to keep crops healthy and airborne law
enforcement to keep the peace.
General aviation benefits the community in so many
ways it’s hard to cover them all. We scan a few on
the following pages.

An estimated 65% of general aviation flights are
conducted for business and public services that
need transportation more flexible than the airlines
can offer. That flexibility can be a hometown
businessman flying his own small airplane to see
four clients on a one-day, 700-mile circuit, or it
can be a CEO and five staff members working at
30,000 feet while en route to a major meeting.

By
scheduled airline, the first could take four days and
three hotel bills; the second would be impossible.
Like the family automobile, the family airplane (owned
or rented) can provide mobility and pleasure, and it’s
almost always a more enjoyable trip by air. The family
airplane can triple the comfortable range of vacation
travel while avoiding the stress and frustrations of
heavy traffic. And, of course, the family breadwinners
can use the same airplane to great advantage in
business by virtue of its speed and flexibility.

A common misconception leads some to think of personal
or small business aircraft as only for the extremely
wealthy. In fact, many people of middle-class means fly
airplanes less costly to acquire than a new family car.
And learning to fly general aviation aircraft is well
within the capabilities of the average person,
intellectually and physically. Even some disabilities
– deafness, for instance – need not keep a person
who really wants to fly out of the cockpit.
General aviation has an excellent and steadily
improving safety record. Since the big surge in
private and business flying that followed WWII, the
total accident rate has decreased more than 85%—
down to just seven accidents per 100,000 flight
hours. The latest data show general aviation flies
more than 20 million hours each year.
More than 90% of the roughly 220,000 civil aircraft
registered in the United States are general aviation
aircraft. And of the nation’s approximately 600,000
pilots, an estimated 500,000+ fly general aviation
airplanes. (Incidentally, many airline pilots also fly
general aviation aircraft – for pleasure!) The
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
has approximately 415,000 members.
The great fleet of general aviation aircraft is the
mainspring of a $20 billion a year industry which
generates more than $150 billion in economic activity.
Thousands of communities benefit as their airports
create a positive ripple effect in the local economy.

Why are all my comments now being removed?

More good reading here....

http://www.countyairports.org/Newsletter/SCAN%20Fall%202007%20-%20reduced.pdf

those how are into reading.....and being informed more fully:

http://www.ok.gov/OAC/documents/General%20Aviation%20Contribution%20to%20the%20US%20Economy%20(GAMA).pdf

Ok, I find this interesting, as it appears to be someone representing the "NO AIRPORT" crowd does not live in Horsham......very interesting to say the least especially since some here have said its a "HORHSAM" only issue" This was found freely and openly on the internet via google search.

http://www.noairportinhorsham.org/docs/DennisMulliganLetter.pdf

Corporate airport proposed for Willow Grove Naval Air Station
Written by: Keith Phucas, Journal Register News Service

NORRISTOWN — Bucks County Airport Authority members floated the idea of developing a corporate airport around the existing runway at the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station.

The four men presented the idea to the Montgomery County Commissioners at Tuesday’s staff meeting. The informal proposal envisions a general aviation facility run jointly by Bucks and Montgomery counties that would handle corporate jets and private aircraft. No airliners would be permitted.

Allen D. Black, the organization’s former chairman, said a good regional airport would be an economic boon to the area and could accomodate larger aircraft during any future disaster. Currently, Wings Field and Doylestown Airport are too small for such commercial or emergency uses.

Please note replublicans who su[pport the airport, you voted for Brown and Castor in office who oppose the airport. If I were you, I'd be contacting them ASAP to voice your displeasure.

Wow....doing a little research on RKG sheds some light.....seems to em they are VERY anti-airport. Take a look at their site and see if you get the same feeling...

http://www.rkgassociates.com/

Even though I am on the opposite side of this from Mr.Pitcairn...I would like to thank HIM for expressing his opinion without name calling, verbal bullying, or insults!

I believe someone had asked why no one was looking to keep the NADC open, and frankly its my understanding that they did not keep NADC open for air operations simply because the existing ramp space and hanger space did not lend itself to what the area and existing building at Willow Grove do.

I believe that if Horsham and its officials would put out a figure as to how much Horsham would have to foot to revelope this area, a true honest figure, and then explain how it would be paid for, I think we may have alot of new Save Willow Grove folks on board. I surely hope that they will do this before they decide for all of us in this region for all of our sakes. Frankly,. I am fighting for everyone and not just a selection boro or township. Frankly, financially and tax wise this won't have any initial effect on my area but I do believe it will have carry over effects of my way of life and my wallet.

john
1st of all, your comments should be deleted. 2nd of all, you are not a Citizen or a RESIDENT. Thirdly, you have not shown any benefits of an airport to RESIDENTS. Furthermore YOU SIR should not only get out of the kitchen,You should get out of the HOUSE. If you want to fly, then rejoin the navy as a PILOT. (you won't pass the test)
RESIDENTS are 10-1 against the airport, so you are wasting you time, this is a Horsham ONLY issue.

Hi Rose. I am a Horsham resident and respect the fact that you are too. Could you let me know where you read or saw that Horsham residents are 10-1 against the airport? To my knowledge the only poll I have ever seen on this topic was in Phillyburbs.com The poll asked the question asked if the runway should be closed after the military leaves? The results were No: 77% Yes 23%. Most opposed to the airport will cite that others from surrounding communities voted no. They are probably correct because to me this a regional issue. The airbase borders Bucks County and I am sure the direct airport and indirect airport jobs the airport will create will draw from the human resources from our region. An example of a a regional benefit most recently is the 202 bypass project. It is not in Horsham but does span multiple townships in Montgomery and Bucks county and will benefit the region. Even though it is not in my township I should still have a right to have a say on the matter. I do respect your position. Just wanted to see if I could learn more about the 10-1 comment you made and if there info on this please let me know so I can educate myself as well. In the meantime....stay cool!

I still have fundamental Qs about how many jobs the airport would create. I don't see any #s from the pro-airport side, just reassurances. Trickle down economics has not worked.

I question how long airports are a viable industry if they serve corporations and individuals, especially with the price of fuel, it seems to me that an airport such as proposed by Pitcairn et al. is a dinosaur of an idea. I agree the Base is a regional asset and that the potential for the creation of new jobs is huge, but I just don't think a general aviation airport is a viable longterm idea. Business today is electronic; it's much cheaper to transport goods by train.

The Q of airport or not has torn this community apart. I think if an airport is installed, the resentment factor will take a generation to heal. Isn't there some other industry or idea that doesn't pollute, cause noise, and brings jobs?

Carol, Are there #s from the no airport side? I have not seen any. That is a good reason to keep them both in the running until this information is known for both plans. Look at the www.savewillowgrove.org home page and download the Initial Aviation Feasibility Study from the BCAA. It does not include the financial benefit of attracting businesses that need to be near the airport or what would happen with a bit less than half the base that would still be available for other uses if a business airpark is not selected, however, it may answer some of your questions. I find it to be informative.

Not sure how to avoid having the community torn apart when there are people in Horsham that feel strongly both ways. Resentment is inevitable (airport or not) however it was the no airport campaign that has escalated the situation (and future resentment level) and caused the response from myself and a great group of Horsham Residents, some of whom you know, who started Save Willow Grove Airfield to counter the mis-information, answer questions, and show that this is not a one-sided issue in Horsham.

No one could say with significant certainty what the true ratio is for those who favor keeping the runway versus those who oppose. Citing opinion from a website, or from a community meeting, or following a discussion with neighbors is not all that scientific. We all know that these numbers depend on (1) who had the better petition campaign, (2) who had the loudest voice, or (3) who lives closest to the base. Something I can not ignore is that when ex-Gov. Rendell’s plans for a JII were still in full swing, bi-partisan agreements to restrict commercial, cargo, and private use of the runway were passed in both houses (House Bill 111 and Senate Bill 82.) If I can assume that their authors were “representing” the best interests of the majority of their constituency, then I must conclude that most residents of the local community would oppose the concept of a GA airport in Horsham. That being said, it would be great if Horsham Township would conduct an official poll of the matter with township residents. While I recognize that either decision will directly or indirectly affect the region at large, I feel that Horsham residents, in particular, would have no choice but to cope with the negative impacts that either option can bring...be it noise, pollution, higher taxes, traffic jams, etc.