Regarding the article "Trump, Taxiway Discussed at the October RAC Meeting" in the Nov. 11 issue of the Farmingdale Observer, there are some key elements to keep in mind.

First, the question has been asked and never answered, how did we even get to a C11 class airport? Second, and although I am not doubting the current wishes of the RAC 'no desire' to expand, does not mean it will not happen.

Residents must keep mindful that when the DOT took over the airport in 1982, both the DOT and the RAC (at that time) stated that due to the current geometry of the airport including the narrow taxiway/runway separation, and the 60,000 lbs. weight limit the airport would not expand.

Now in 2005 we have no 60,000 lbs. weight limit, the geometry of the airport keeps expanding (i.e. purchase of 11 acres of land which incidentally also removed it from the tax rolls, including the school district in these high taxed times). Not only do we have to fight the proposed widening of the taxiway runway separation, we have to stop changes proposed to Taxiway Lima. In an example of size, Atlantic Aviation repaved its aircraft ramps and are now stressed to handle 727's, plus the two proposed 35,000-square-foot hangers, and the behemoth already built by Talon Air. The building just keeps on going and going.

All of these projects change the overall geometry of this airport (which was not supposed to occur). What happened to the original intent by the DOT? What happens in the future to our community?

The RAC did not have a quorum at the October meeting. Anything that was discussed was just that, a discussion. Nothing official took place. As a matter of fact, a number of meetings this year were not official due to the lack of a quorum.

Regarding the Trump incident and as in others, the RAC is quoted in your article "RAC continuously stated that the responsibility to prosecute falls on the FAA," this is true. Once those wheels leave the runway, those at Republic have nothing to say. Actually it becomes 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.'

The only way for this airport to remain the size it is now, and not increase, is if the DOT would stop permitting every project that comes down the proverbial runway from being built. Since they have no control in the air, they sure do have control while on the ground. Enough is enough, stop the unending building.

As for the sound barriers that were briefly mentioned. Let's make sure that they are within the airport's current boundaries. Mentioned, but only in passing due to questions by the residents, was about the safety barriers at the end of the runway. Those, too, if constructed, should be placed on the current runway property.

Kevin R. Norton

Chairperson for the Republic Airport Committee

Residents of East Farmingdale Civic Association, Inc.