Airport Debate to Hover for Several Months

Although the community and local elected officials have been discussing the possibility – and opposition – to an airport at the Willow Grove air base, an actual decision is “months away.”

In fact, Horsham Land Reuse Authority Executive Director Mike McGee said it would be sometime this summer before tentative redevelopment plans are drafted – and until the airport vs. no airport argument is settled, at least locally. The federal government will weigh in once a finalized redevelopment plan is submitted in December.

During Wednesday’s meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the, the HLRA’s consultant, will provide results from the completed by more than 200 people – the majority of whom, when queried publicly, raised their hands to show opposition to an airport. The short questionnaire asked those present what they deemed the best uses for the 892 acres to be redeveloped at the base.

In addition, RKG is expected to give a presentation on real estate market trends, as well as existing conditions on the base, including those dealing with environmental, infrastructure, transportation and land planning. Also on the agenda is an overview of the various entities submitted for potential acquisition of base property for such proposals as an airport; roads; parks; daycare centers; a retirement community; homeless housing; an aviation museum; and education facilities.

Following the existing conditions presentation, RKG will organize participants into four groups to discuss various reuse issues being examined. Residents will also be asked to provide input in creating a set of planning principles or standards that will help guide the planning team as it prepares reuse plan concepts. The concept plans will be presented to the HLRA and the public later in the planning process. 

“There’ll be no discussion on the (notices of interest). No votes taken on the NOIs. No votes taken on airports,” McGee said. “We’re months away.”

While the possibility of an airport may not be on the agenda, the public may certainly put it there. Besides , Warminster and other neighboring communities have passed resolutions, or written letters of support backing Horsham in its no airport stance. Most Horsham residents in attendance at council meetings and HLRA meetings echo those sentiments.

Freshman State Rep. Todd Stephens (R-151), a lifelong Horsham resident who previously served on Horsham’s planning commission and currently sits on an HLRA reuse subcommittee, adamantly opposes any future airport use.

“I grew up and my parents still live at the foot of the runway. And there is no way that this town should be forced to endure the quality of life impacts that an airport would bring just because we were willing to, through patriotism, deal with the presence of military planes,” Stephens said Monday morning over breakfast at Silvestri’s. “It’s easy for those that don’t live here to say, ‘oh yeah it should be an airport’ because they aren’t the ones who will have to deal with the air traffic flying overhead all day and night.”

Stephens likens the airport debate to a “reverse NIMBY."

“It’s real easy for everybody to say ‘the runway should definitely stay open – as long as it’s not open near me,’ ” Stephens said.

A handful of Horsham residents have spoken in support of airport plans during council meetings and on online forums. One man, who asked to remain anonymous, said the existing flight infrastructure, coupled with already present environmental concerns, make an airport the best use.

“Both residential construction and commercial development would be several years away from a brown field start up,” he wrote in an e-mail to Patch. “Add to that the environmental (impact) of the former military base and the continuing presence of the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves and Army Reserves as neighbors (and) re-development efforts become limited.”

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association also joined the discussion. Last week, the nonprofit advocacy group posted an article on its Web site in response to opposing future runway use. A letter was also drafted to Horsham Township Council President Mark McCouch, according to the article.

“Airports make an invaluable contribution to our quality of life and our public safety and health.” Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president for airport advocacy was quoted as saying in the article and the letter to McCouch. “If Horsham township is truly interested in improving the quality of life for its citizens, we suggest that the township fully examine the opportunities that might be available through inclusion of an aviation element in any facility reuse plan.”

Upcoming HLRA meeting:

May 4 at 3 p.m., Horsham Township municipal building. Action items include finalizing a sublease with the for land currently leased on 611 for its ; and considering approval for a revised redevelopment plan for offsite housing in Warminster and Ivyland

Click here for a list of HLRA meetings through the end of the year. To sign up to receive HLRA e-mail alerts regarding meeting updates and agendas, click here.