The petition
The Town of Babylon continues to be engaged in a long struggle with NYS-operated Republic Airport over its refusal to develop a plan for the future of the airport that includes meaningful community input.
Over the last several years, Republic Airport has begun a major expansion campaign that includes the purchase of an additional 11.3 acres of property (added to the existing 536 acres of airport property that is mostly off of the tax rolls), construction of a new 100,000 square foot hangar and expansion of an existing hangar. In addition, they are embarking on construction of a new 51,500 square foot hangar and a 37,500 square foot addition to an already existing hangar. Most importantly, however, Republic Airport is attempting to move forward with a plan to widen the taxiways which will permit larger planes to utilize the airport more frequently.
Incredibly, with each of these changes the airport has declared that they do not have a significant impact on the environment. By issuing this declaration, the airport is able to avoid a full scale environmental review that is required under State Law. The Town of Babylon is suing the airport and the State on behalf of the community. There are currently two separate lawsuits pending. Although the town has not yet been successful in court, with each new effort to expand the infrastructure, Republic Airport is strengthening the Town’s position that they are intentionally seeking to skirt state environmental laws.
“Each of these changes to the airport infrastructure will significantly increase the capacity of the airport to handle additional air traffic and larger planes,” said Supervisor Bellone. “Yet each of these projects is being done without a full environmental impact statement being completed and without any real input from the community.” Councilwoman Jackie Gordon added, “Republic officials have actually admitted publicly that they have no comprehensive plan for the airport which is frightening considering the size of this facility and its impact on our economy and the surrounding residential community.”
In meetings held earlier this year the Town committed to working with the airport on a planning process as long as it would provide meaningful input for the community and concrete assurances that the end results would be adhered to. Republic officials committed to developing such a plan and providing it to the surrounding towns. They have yet to deliver the plan.
I am concerned about the expansion of Republic Airport. I want Republic officials to present a master plan to the community regarding expansion plans for Republic Airport. Community input should be solicited as part of the process of developing an overall plan for the airport.
I want Republic to cease its expansion plans until a full scale environmental review is completed.
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