Airport neighbors in Chatham, Massachusetts are filing a town meeting petition to restrict the Chatham Municipal Airport to only Design Group I models (less than 49-ft wingspan). Because the measure received the requisite number of signatures, there will be a vote on May 10. But the town's attorney along with the airport commission attorney warn that, even if passed, the measure would not survive state and federal agencies’ regulatory authority. The Cape Cod Chronicle reported that the current measure is essentially the same as one filed in 2022, which was voted down by citizens two to one.
We’ve visited Chatham every summer for the last 15+ years and have rented planes there (CQX) and flew our own RV6 in just last year. It’s a great airport and a real asset to the area - many come for the great breakfast place, to take scenic flights or to just watch the planes. Those saying it isn’t safe for the Class II planes really don’t know what they are talking about - I expect it’s just an excuse to limit traffic. Sorry, but you took the money so you’ll have to abide by the accompanying guidelines.
I live one mile from the airport and I can tell you unequivocally that the people opposed to the airport are a bunch of old biddies that will stop at nothing to get their wish which is the closing of the airport. The town has spent huge sums of money fending off their attacks but they keep coming back. No one else in town wants to close the airport except for this vocal minority. They need hobbies.
IMHO, these complaints should not be considered valid without including AND PUBLISHING name, address, verified phone numbers of the complainee.
If they’re going to negatively impact the community, the rest of us need to know who’s doing it.
Apply this to all airports.
While we’re at it, no pain no gain, you complain, you’re not allowed to use any of the services provided by that airport. Be it emergency airlift, Amazon Prime, FedEx, UPS, whatever.
Since the consequences of their complaints being realized will last for generations, so should their descendants be banned.
As usual, this is just a few malcontent “neighbors” who spend their time shaking in fear of a “crash.” Presumably, they knew that there was an airport nearby when they bought their property. Unfortunately, the local taxpayers will have to pay the cost of this meaningless vote.
Mark, I am getting a little chuckle from the ironic inconsistency of Massachusetts’ airport complainers. I wish you would also cover the story of the closure of Hanscom Field for three hours last April due to protestors. The ironic part is that the Hanscom protesters were complaining about small jets. Apparently, they think people should only ride in large aircraft. Perhaps and enterprising reported could ask them if they think highways should be restricted to trucks and buses…
Criminal trials are schedule for most of the perps. One plead guilty and got a few hours of community service. Not sure whether they made a deal… That might also be interesting to know.