Like the quiet before a storm, the Republic Airport Commission, nearly five years since their last public meeting regarding an Updated Draft Master Plan, is now planning a major vote on June 14 that not only is circumventing the process of a full environmental review with the associated public comment, but will also serve as a stepping stone to a major expansion threat.

In the way of some history, on Aug. 3, 2000 the NYS-DOT held a public information meeting on the first three chapters of a Draft Master Plan Update that recommended changing Republic Airport to better accommodate large class Clll aircraft which includes 200,000 lb. 727 jets. Existing built-in constraints such as runway/taxiway separations, etc. have helped control the use of the airport for these large aircraft. If the airport infrastructure is altered, these constraints will be eliminated and would enable the airport to run heavy aircraft. Further, as the airport has accepted federal funds for prior improvements, they must accept all types of aircraft that the facility is able to handle.

Over 800 residents were appalled and very vocal at the previous meeting and looked forward to further public comment on the Updated Draft Master Plan. However, unbeknown to the public, before any additional public forum, on April 12, 2005 the Republic Airport Commission drafted a resolution prior to completion of the master plan. The commission is proposing segmenting the master plan to approve expanding the distance between Taxiway B and Runway 1/19 from 200 to 400 feet to better accommodate Clll class aircraft. In addition, the airport is currently in the process of acquiring 11.3 additional acres north of Runway 1/19.

The outcome of the commission's vote on this Taxiway Relocation Resolution will serve as a recommendation to the NYS-DOT to advance expansion plans with the associated significant increase in noise, air pollution, storage of additional quantities of jet A fuel, and increased traffic along major arteries and peripheral routes to the airport. To help stop this injustice, please come down to show solidarity with our friends and neighbors in Farmingdale, Bethpage, Amityville, Melville, Lindenhurst, Massapequa, Plainview, Old Bethpage and Plainedge to thwart this potential spiraling growth into another MaCarthur Airport. Further, we are circulating an on-line petition that can be accessed by going to the following URL: www.PetitionOnLine.com/RACCPOBC/petition.html. Kindly share this information with all of your friends and neighbors.

We look forward to seeing you on June 14 at 7 p.m. at the Republic Airport Main Terminal, Room 201 on the second floor.

Act now, or forever live with the intrusion of these aircraft over our quiet suburban communities.

In an effort to create public awareness and send a strong signal to our elected officials, the Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc. have announced two online petitions they are circulating regarding threats to the environment and quality of life.

The first petition is regarding the Proposed Federal Energy Bill currently in the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. This proposed legislation includes a "safe harbor provision," which provides product liability immunity for MTBE polluters. Passage of this bill would place the onus of the cleanup cost of MTBE spills on the local water districts and subsequently the residents. It is estimated that on Long Island there are 1,600 gasoline spills across the bi-county region with 155 wells identified as contaminated with MTBE's. The cost for the required cleanup is estimated to be as high as $700 million.

The second petition is in response to the Republic Airport Commission's Proposed Resolution to relocate Taxiway "B" further from the adjacent Runway 1/19. This relocation will allow the necessary 400 foot distance between the taxiway and runway for wing-tip clearance for 200,000 pounds CIII Class aircraft including 727's. This would enable Republic Airport to expand its operation with the associated significant increase in noise, air pollution, storage of additional quantities of jet A fuel, and increased traffic along major arteries and peripheral routes to the airport. The public's voice is being excluded from the benefits of a full environmental review as the Republic Airport Commission is planning on circumventing the process. They are doing this through a vote on June 14 at 7 p.m. at the Republic Airport Main Terminal-Room 201, prior to the approval of an Updated Airport Master Plan.

If you would like to help, you can access the petitions online at the following URL's: for the MTBE Petition visit www.PetitionOnLine.com/MTBEPOB/petition.html; for the Republic Airport Petition visit www.PetitionOnLine.com/RACCPOBC/petition.html. You are also encouraged to pass this information on to friends, relatives and neighbors in the surrounding area. For residents not online, please drop Concerned Citizens a postcard with your name and address, to their attention at 998-C Old Country Road-PMB #143, Plainview, NY 11803. A hard copy will be returned with mailing instructions.

The Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc. encourage every resident to take this opportunity to voice your concerns to our elected officials by participating in this petition drive. Collectively the community can make a difference, but time is of the essence so your immediate attention is appreciated.

Carol Meschkow

President

Concerned Citizens of the

Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.