At their June 14 meeting the Republic Airport Commission, led by Chairman Frank Nocerino, decided to table the airport's taxiway relocation resolution until Aug. 9, in order to allow more time for residents to become educated about the project.

The decision to widen the distance between Taxiway B and Runway 1/19 from 200 to 400 feet in order to more safely accommodate aircraft wingspans on the ground has caused much controversy in the past. However, Republic Airport spokesperson Gary Lewi said the proposal is a safety issue recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Úquot;Clearly based on the misinformation that's out there, that was deliberately put in front of them [residents], we need to set the facts straight,Úquot; Lewi said. Úquot;This isn't about an airport expansion, this is about ground safety.Úquot;

In effort to further inform people about the taxiway widening resolution, Lewi said the airport will reach out to residents.

Úquot;We will create a series of public outreach opportunities where we can present to the public what this is about, so that we can certainly present accurate information as opposed to what people are being told,Úquot; Lewi said.

Republic Airport currently accommodates private, corporate, charter and commuter aircraft, and Nocerino says that's how it will remain.

Úquot;We're a general aviation airport; we're never going to be a commercial airport and we're limited to what can be there,Úquot; Nocerino previously told the Farmingdale Observer.

There is also a tentative informational meeting scheduled for July 27.