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Pinellas okays plan to renovate airport

Nearby residents have protested the plan for a year, but were not allowed any comment at Tuesday's meeting.

By MICHAEL SANDLER
Published December 22, 2004

CLEARWATER - Pinellas County commissioners approved a controversial master plan Tuesday that calls for spending up to $223-million at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport over the next 25 years.

It took more than a year for the plan to come before the commission for a vote. But Tuesday's discussion was over in less than 10 minutes. The vote was 5-2.

"I think it's extremely important that we put it in place," Commissioner Bob Stewart said. "It's timely and I think it's the appropriate thing to do."

Noticeably absent from the commission chambers were the hundreds from Feather Sound, Safety Harbor and other communities who have filled public halls since July 2003 to object to the plan, as well as a runway extension project approved in May.

Many have complained about noise from the airport. They have also questioned why a major investment is needed when Tampa International Airport is across the bay.

But Tuesday's vote was not a public hearing and not open to public comment.

County staffers have called the document a conceptual plan that addresses issues at the airport, which serves commercial passengers, charter flights, general aviation traffic and cargo shipping companies.

Each of the proposed projects, along with their financing, would have to come back to the commission for individual votes.

But opponents fear that future commissioners will point to the master plan as proof that projects have already been approved.

Commissioner Karen Seel shares that concern.

"I feel like it's a plan, and I agree with some of it," Seel said. "But I feel like giving my vote will be a blessing to the whole plan."

Seel and Commissioner John Morroni both voted no, as they did on the runway extension. Morroni was making his first public appearance since he had an emergency appendectomy Dec. 1.

Directing his comments to airport Director Noah Lagos in the audience, Morroni said the airport has yet to resolve issues of noise.

"There is a problem with noise at this airport," said Morroni, who takes over as chairman in January. "We know, Noah, that everything hasn't been taken care of."

But the two commissioners were in the minority.

"I think it's important that citizens know we are concerned about noise and the impact this airport has on the community," Chairwoman Susan Latvala said. "But it does serve a huge purpose in our community."

Commissioners adopted the plan as the airport's largest tenant is undergoing serious financial trouble, and the No. 2 carrier has shut down operations.

ATA Airlines has filed for bankruptcy protection, laid off workers at the airport and will likely be acquired by AirTran Airways, which operates out of Tampa International.

Southeast Airlines abruptly canceled all flights last month, sent employees home and announced it had ceased all operations.

The two made up more than 70 percent of commercial traffic at the airport. Airport officials have yet to announce other carriers in line to take their place.

A consultant hired by the county last week told commissioners this month that demand for the airport could easily be met by Tampa International, which offers more flights, is 11 miles away and has plenty of low-cost carriers.

[Last modified December 22, 2004, 00:31:18]