We would like to inform your readers that NYSDOT has postponed the Dec. 9 Public Information Meeting (PIM) on the first three chapters of a draft Master Plan Update (MPU) that recommends changing Republic Airport to better accommodate large Design Group CIII aircraft which include 200,000 pound 727 jets. A new date for the PIM has not yet been set.

In part, the current revision of the draft MPU recommends increasing the useable length of Runway 19 by 789 feet and Runway 14 by 150 feet, increasing Runway 1/19's runway/taxiway separations to provide wing tip clearance for larger planes and increasing the widths of taxiways A, B and D. (Runway 14/32 can already handle CIII aircraft.) If Runways 1/19's existing built-in constraints are permanently eliminated it will be impossible to ensure the future use of Republic Airport because written protections such as resolutions, rules and regulations can be removed by litigation or future decisions. Republic Airport accepted federal funds for prior airport improvements, therefore Republic must accept all types of aircraft that the airport has the capacity to handle. If both runways can readily accommodate large aircraft the airport's ability to provide more reliable service is enhanced because an alternative runway would be available during unfavorable wind conditions, routine runway maintenance, runway incidents, or reconstruction, etc. Large scheduled cargo and large charter operations are permitted at General Aviation airports and could turn Republic into a jetport.

A separate plan to decrease the instrument landing system visibility minimums would allow high performance aircraft to land in more hazardous weather conditions than presently permitted. Lower minimums also enhance the airport's ability to provide reliable scheduled services.

We question the validity of the low jet forecasts and cannot understand why no cargo operations are forecast, even though the airport is located in close proximity to many overnight delivery services. Forecasts are vitally important because, if inaccurate, they will cause future environmental impacts to be seriously underestimated in required environmental studies.

Litigation eliminated the night-time curfew and the 60,000 pound aircraft weight limitation rule is currently in litigation. Accordingly, we realize that the surest way to control the future use of Republic Airport is to limit the size of the facilities which are adequate for small planes squeezed out of nearby commercial service airports. We all have a responsibility to help preserve our suburban quality of life for ourselves and future generations. Increased noise, air pollution, and safety concerns would be harmful to our way of life and could even lead to reduced property values. Please use this extra time to learn about the major changes being considered for Republic Airport in the current revision of the draft MPU.

Charles Marino/Helen G. Norjen

Co-chairpersons

Woodland Civic Association, Inc.

Republic Airport Committee