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Letter to the editor

Geiger will meet with neighbors about heliport

The ex-NBA player is trying to ease concerns about letting helicopters land at his estate.

By EILEEN SCHULTE
Published July 10, 2007

EAST LAKE - News of Matt Geiger's plan to build a heliport at his mansion - it's on the market for $20-million - has kicked up a cloud of anxiety among his neighbors.

Concerned they might torpedo his proposal, the former NBA player hurriedly got the county to reschedule a hearing set for Thursday.

Now Geiger's strategy is to have a neighborhood meeting to explain himself.

It's scheduled for 7 p.m. July 23 at the Allegro Senior Lifestyle facility at 1755 East Lake Road.

That is good news to David Elliott, who raises smooth gaited Paso Fino horses on a ranch across the street from Geiger's estate. Regal and proud, Paso Finos apparently hate whirlybirds. And the last thing Elliott wants is a stampede.

"(A helicopter) will freak them out," he said.

But Geiger said his 36-acre property is so large, "the (flight) path for the helicopter will pose no danger to anyone." Choppers instead will fly over Brooker Creek Preserve, he said.

"We've designed it to lower the risk to homeowners," Geiger said. And, apparently, horses.

Geiger, and perhaps his neighbors, now are scheduled to go to the county on Aug. 9.

[Last modified July 9, 2007, 22:20:29]