Open Letter to Commissioner Shirley Lasseter

Ms. Lasseter:

Citizens for a Better Gwinnett wishes to clarify , as it appeared that you and Commissioner Beaudreau were surprised by .  We would like to point out the Gwinnett BOC has previously taken very clear actions to pursue Briscoe Field expansion. Please read the quotes below from the January 16, 2010 Gwinnett Daily Post.

“While I think privatization of Briscoe Field could be the right choice for Gwinnett taxpayers and residents who travel, it is also clear there is a lot of due diligence to take before a final decision can be made,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. “I am hopeful that commercialization of the airport would encourage more economic growth in our community.”

District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “No matter the outcome of the vote on Tuesday, I am proud of my fellow board members for thinking outside the box and looking for new ways of providing needed services without negatively impacting taxpayers.”

It is clearly evident from , in January 2010, that it was the intent of the BOC to include passenger jet service in Briscoe expansion.

Following the vote on January 19, 2010, which was unanimously approved, Gwinnett County spent $250,000 to file an application with the FAA to include Briscoe Field in the airport privatization program. The FAA application established a time-line which originally turned control over to the new operator in May 2011.

Since these three actions (vote, application and RFQ) were taken by the BOC without soliciting any input whatsoever from any Gwinnett citizen and because of previous decisions made by the BOC, you should understand why Better Gwinnett members continue to attend and participate at every available opportunity.

at Briscoe Field or the application for privatization with the FAA is withdrawn by Gwinnett County.

We also want to take this opportunity to restate the Better Gwinnett organization’s desired outcomes for the Briscoe Field expansion issue.

1. No passenger jet service or freight operations at Briscoe Field - period.
2. Privatization is only acceptable for continued operation as a general aviation airport - no commerialization or expansion.
3. Prior to any further action relating to privatizing Briscoe Field, other than withdrawing the FAA application,  public forums must be held to provide detailed information pertaining to the county’s plan.  If you don’t have a plan, withdraw the application.
4. Limit the size of aircraft utilizing Briscoe now and in the future – limit wingspan and aircraft weight.
5. Establish airport noise regulations, initiate a noise abatemen program including monitors, and fund a noise abatement office. This action is needed now; solicit funds and grants from the FAA.
6. If privatization is pursued, limit bidders to companies with 5+ years of profitable operating history.  No start-up companies should be considered as there is too much risk.
7. Pass a resolution to prohibit Gwinnett from issuing, endorsing, or guaranteeing any bonds or loans that a private operator would need to expand or improve Briscoe Field.  Private means private.

We feel these objectives are reflective of the desires of Gwinnett County citizens as we strive to protect our home values and our quality of life.

Let’s also put this issue in context. On Tuesday night (Feb 22) the BOC because it would be disruptive to a small agricultural area of the county. The church would not have had a negative impact on home values, presented no environmental hazards, nor would it significantly disturb the peace and quiet of residents.

Yet the BOC is willing to entertain the thought of passenger jet service at Briscoe?  A decision that would negatively impact tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands of residents, by creating noise levels approaching the threshold of pain, creating health hazards from jet fuel fallout, increasing traffic congestion on an already overburdened  roadway system, and destroy home values.

We’d like to request all BOC members reconsider their position on this issue and vote to support us in our efforts to block expansion of Briscoe Field.

Regards,

Russ Lappana
Rick Schneider
Jim Regan
Board of Directors - Citizens for a Better Gwinnett