Residents vs. Airport....

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Lately my home away from home (Harvey Airfield, S43) has been under "attack" from local residents complaints regarding noise.  The departure end of runway 14 (from right to left) aims right at a rather substantial hill that is covered in homes... we have a noise procedure that has us turn left to 290 as soon as we cross over those railroad tracks, or whenever safe for the purpose of noise and mostly safety.  With the river there it would only give you two choices if you have an engine failure... go in the drink, or go knocking on someone's door.  lol  

Over the last several months, though, complaints have been increasing and been getting more personal, ie. name calling, hanging up, etc.  

So tonight the airport held a meeting with some of the residents from these two streets that we fly over.  And it was quite interesting I must say.

I came to it thinking, "if you don't like the noise, why did you move next to an airport?"  and left with much more of an understanding and respect for their side.  Their complaint wasn't just the airplane noise it was safety (as aircraft are much closer to the houses in climbout due to the size of the hill) and the increase of noise lately due to flight operations.  

Long story short everyone left happy with the idea that Snohomish Flying Service would enforce an education program along with MORE signs at the end of the runway for transient pilots.  They also are discussing a reporting system to notify the people who do violate the procedure.  

Toward the beginning there was a lot of frustration due to simply not understanding the limitations airplanes are up against, but once that was sorted out we finally were able to have a nice conversation.  I signed myself up to be part of a committe that meets twice a month with both pilots and residents as a sort of progress report system.   One idea they were thinking of is like a "neighborhood watch" on the weekends to keep track of the a/c that disregard the procedure.  I'll volunteer that one!  With my camera anyway! lol  

Here is a picture of our beautiful airport:



The resitential area ends only about 2 or 3 blocks to the left.  

[eno]

Sounds like a good compromise... considering that this sort of confrontation usually ends up getting nasty.

[Omag 2.0]

Well done! This type of conversation will calm the complainers down, and together you guys might be able to overwin the trouble... Isn't it nice when people actually listen to eachother?

[beaky]

Good news... and good luck with the new program.

[Chris_F]

My Dad's gun club (which has been open since the late 1800's) suffers from the same problems.  In their case they've been unable to resolve the dispute like you've done and have so far been successful in the courts.  Essentially in this case though the residents seem to be of the oppinion that, since they've moved to the area and since guns are evil the club should be shut down.  Thankfully for you though it seems the residents are much more reasonable and have some valid concerns which you're addressing.  

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Interesting

In Canada when someone purchases a home or lot to build a home a form called a "Disclosure Form" must be signed.
This form tells the "Potential Builder or Purchaser" what is in the immediate vicinity.  The Solicitor or Lawyer for both parties also get a copy of this completed form.
The form will contain information such as:
-odour from all types of agricultural and farming operations
-noise levels from all types of agricultural and farming operations
-present location of airports and the possibility of new airports
-present highways or the possibility of new hghways
-racetracks....etc.
-railroad lines
-schools
-gun clubs
-recreational land/parks
Anything that would pertain to the property is on this form.
Also;
If it is an existing structure;
Then;
-water damage, flooding,  roof leaks, basement leaks, bug infestation, whether the unit has had a fire or someone had died in the unit, etc...etc are all included on this form.

I am sure this form must be used in most countries by now as we have used it here for nearly ten years.

The new builder or purchaser must sign this form to acknowledge what is on it.
Therefore, there is no reason for complaints about noise or odours as the purchaser already knows from the form what to expect.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[Chris_F]

Same in the 'states.  Don't know if it's required by law or just a liability thing the title companies force.  Either way I know I saw it in the huge stacks of forms I had to sign when I bought my house in the USA.

[expat]

Buy a house near an air port. It is cheap, due to noise, pollution, perceived danger of aircraft taking off and landing, disturbed sleep at night. Then form an action committee, get the airport closed, make a killing as your house value rockets, use this windfall to purchase said airport with the rest of your committee members. Turn it into a nice park for locals to play and dogs to chase sticks etc. Realise after a year or so, what the real value of the land is and then sell it to developer. Watch as a few industrial units are put up, along with low income housing. Realise what a mistake it all was, the airport was better and then, with your new healthy bank balance (selling your house and the airport land) move away and live in some nice gated community. Meanwhile the people that are left have to deal with increased traffic, crime and the depreciating value of their homes. And you get the pool boy to mix you another Martini.

Matt

[expat]

Buy a house near an air port. It is cheap, due to noise, pollution, perceived danger of aircraft taking off and landing, disturbed sleep at night. Then form an action committee, get the airport closed, make a killing as your house value rockets, use this windfall to purchase said airport with the rest of your committee members. Turn it into a nice park for locals to play and dogs to chase sticks etc. Realise after a year or so, what the real value of the land is and then sell it to developer. Watch as a few industrial units are put up, along with low income housing. Realise what a mistake it all was, the airport was better and then, with your new healthy bank balance (selling your house and the airport land) move away and live in some nice gated community. Meanwhile the people that are left have to deal with increased traffic, crime and the depreciating value of their homes. And you get the pool boy to mix you another Martini. Don't you just love NIMBY's

Matt