Re: Director: Airport poised to grow, story, June 30.
The interview with Dave Metz, executive director of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, increased my apprehension about the proposed airport expansion. As a resident of Feather Sound and a neighbor of the airport, I am very concerned that the airport expands in a way that is responsible to the community and respectful to its neighbors.
In particular, I am concerned about the increase in noise pollution in areas that surround the airport. (It is already loud, and the thought of it getting louder is frightening.)
It was troubling that when asked about the noise, Mr. Metz acknowledged that the noise would increase and that the increase would be "evaluated and monitored." I would have hoped that he would have reassured the community that suitable steps would be taken to reduce the noise.
Furthermore, it was clear that Mr. Metz plans on a significant amount of the funding for the expansion to come from the sale or use of the land surrounding the airport. Some of the land in question is immediately adjacent to residential property in Feather Sound. A buffer zone needs to be maintained between the residential areas and the airport. Any commercial development needs to be done in such a manner that it does not in any way reduce or degrade this buffer.
The County Commission needs to ensure that the airport behaves like a good neighbor to the communities that surround it, and it needs to continue to protect the quality of life that is now enjoyed by these county residents. The commission should not simply sell out the peace and quiet and lifestyle that is enjoyed in the neighborhoods that surround the airport for some quick money to help fund a questionable expansion of the airport.
-- John McDevitt, Clearwater
Officials should care about areas near airport
Re: Director: Airport poised to grow, story, June 30.
It is with a sense of helplessness that I write to you in regard to the article on expanding the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. The airport director, Dave Metz, says there are 58 businesses that will profit along with the airport if the expansion occurs. He doesn't say what these businesses are, but I would guess they're rental car companies, fast food stores inside the airport, baggage handlers, gas stations and shuttle services. It sounds a little incestuous to me.
I might be making a bold statement, but I would also guess that tourists who want to come visit the Tampa Bay area aren't going to change their minds if they have to land in the Tampa airport. To say the expansion is going to help tourism is just plain ridiculous.
I live in Del Oro Groves. I consider it almost the perfect place to live. People like Dave Metz and County Commissioner Susan Latvala are about to degrade our quality of life. Yes, that's right - Commissioner Latvala is pushing hard on this. If she doesn't stop this expansion, if she doesn't start caring about the people who live next to the airport, I promise her at least one voter will be pushing hard for her removal come election time.
-- Jim Peterson, Clearwater
[Last modified July 16, 2003, 01:33:24]
