Horsham Airport Discussion Draws Dozens to Montco Commissioners Meeting

In an effort to address the numerous concerns that have arisen since the airport possibility took flight, the Montgomery County Commissioners held a special meeting Wednesday to hear public input on future runway use at Willow Grove air base. 

The eighth floor board room was packed with about 60 people - many of whom were angry Horsham residents vehemently opposing using the 892-acre base as an airport.

As the meeting began, a Montgomery County comprehensive plan was displayed, stating that the 8,000-foot-long runway should stand. Immediately following the presentation, Roger Moog, a board member of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, made a case for using the airport for corporate use.

"I believe the airfield should be retained as an airport for corporate use only, and that this is very beneficial to the economic base of the region," said Moog, who listed the chance of the airport being approved at 30 percent.

The Horsham Land Reuse Authority is expected to approve a redevelopment plan for the air base later this year, which is then due to the Department of Defense by December. During a t last weekend, the HLRA's consultants showed sketches of five potential outcomes for the base - three absent an airport and two including it.

The plan Moog presented calls for two-thirds of the available space being used for airport functions and the other one-third used for a different use. Moog stated that there would be a runway reduction, citing corporate flights being able to take off and land at shorter intervals.

Additionally, Moog said commercial cargo flights would not be considered, and less flights with quieter aircraft would result in less of a nuisance than residents experienced when the base was active.

Horsham resident Mike Fitzpatrick, who runs No Airport in Horsham, objected to the fact that the meeting began with back-to-back presentations by pro-airport professionals.

Commissioner James Matthews admitted he was pro-airport, and said it was up to the people to change his mind.

"If the township plan wins, we're going to redirect our plans to support the township's decision," said Matthews.

Commissioner Bruce Castor, on the other hand, questioned the statements made in the presentations, while stating it was important to support what the public wants.

"Based on the e-mails and phone calls we've gotten, it seems to me the people don't believe it's a good idea," said Castor. "Is it possible they're all wrong? Yes, I suppose, but just speculating that these good things will come from an airport isn't very persuasive."

One by one, Horsham residents voiced their displeasure in what seemed like a never-ending stream of anti-airport support. Eventually, one unidentified resident did publicly support the airport initiative.

"I believe the landing strip will open opportunities for companies to want to relocate, to bring in good business, and to bring in better jobs.  I'm pro-airport," he said, as the crowd sat silently.

Colonel Tony Perelli, commander of the 111th Fighter Wing, who stated that a small contingency of Air Force, National Guard, and Army Reservists would still occupy a small portion of the base, stopped short of expressing support for the airport's continued use. 

"As of right now, the missions that the National Guard is doing on the base do not include flying operations, so we do not need the airport to continue our missions right now," said Perelli. "Of course, if the airport was there, it would provide us with more flexibility."

The issue of natural disaster response came up, and Perelli said that depending on the type of disaster, the airstrip may be useful. He also said that in his experience on base, he's never prepared for a natural disaster in which the flight line would be needed.

Horsham Township Councilman Andrew Santacroce passed out paperwork which defined the on the matter. In March, the governing body adopted a resolution opposing future use of the runway.

"It's our responsibility as Horsham Council to do whatever we can to make sure our residents' interests are protected," said Santacroce. "What's important to us on council is to make sure that Horsham Township is number one in the eyes of our residents. I'm here to respectfully ask for your support of Horsham Township's position on this issue."

The attendees loudly applauded the councilman, with some standing and whistling. The cheering quickly turned to jeering as Bob Rockmaker pleaded his case.

"Make no mistake, if that airport goes away, the chance of ever having another one in Montgomery or Bucks County decreases to near zero," said Rockmaker, who is the executive director of the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania.

Rockmaker offered a not-too-popular solution for those Horsham residents who are complaining about noise.

"I live under the flight path of the main airport in the Lehigh Valley, but I have the option to relocate. Everyone else has that same option in Horsham," said Rockmaker, to a chorus of laughter and insults.

Tension rose from there, as the time limit for the meeting had come and gone. 

As Matthews was explaining his stance, Fitzpatrick objected to having to convince him otherwise. This resulted in a short, but explosive, exchange of words.

"You are here to represent the public, regardless of your stance," said Fitzpatrick.

"No Kidding," Matthews replied. "If you don't like the way this meeting is running, you are free to leave."

After allowing a few moments for things to calm down, one last anti-airport resident made his case, stating that regardless of what outsiders want to do with the area, the decision should be made by those who have to live near it.

"Government is the people, and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. Commissioners, please allow the people to decide the future of Horsham township," said the Horsham resident.

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