1986-09-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Selectmen's Meeting -7- September 23, 1985 GEI REPORT, HANSCOM FIELD Presentation on the GEIR, Hanscom, was resumed. Mr. Baldwin showed data from 1375 through 1985 on total usage by civil and military aircraft at Hanscom, which he said was slightly down due to restriction of noisier jets, plus charges for nighttime operations. A chart with estimated degrees of growth to 1990 was also displayed. Mr. Marshall noted tha an analysis by Robert Domnitz had shown that single- engine planes add significantly to levels of noise, data on which had not been previously factored into the study. Mr. Baldwin stated that collecting data on single- engine planes is very difficult and time consuming. It had not been included in the study because original records indicated that the figures did not vary from year to year. Reginald Murphy, 40 Harding Road, compared the noise generated from a single flight to driving 40 mph on the highway. He reported difficulty in hearing a radio or television and reported that, at times, planes fly so low that windows rattle. He suggested that flights be limited at times when noise levels are high. He also asked if seasonality had been taken into consideration referring to summertime when people are out of doors and windows are open. Mr. Baldwin said it would be done. A Carlisle resident, Edward Farnsworth, expressed concern with Massport's perception of the aggravation caused by noise, as addressed in the study. He said that those living in the affected communities are directly disturbed by the increasing number of single- engine flights. Joyce Miller, chairman of the Conservation Commission, and Jere Frick, MAPC representative, were in attendance for the discussion. Mrs. Frick is prepared to gather information for comments on the study. Mrs. Miller referred to written comments by the conservation.commission on the report. She questioned why water and sewer use at Hanscom is not metered. Mr. Tonaszuck responded that Lexington water to the Air Force is metered at a lower rate and that Massport pays a flat charge to the Air Force. It is expected that the Air Force will be taken off the Lexington sewer system in the future. Mrs. Miller also noted the commission's concern regarding the age of infrastructure pipes and recommended that inflow /infiltration should be corrected before any future expansion is planned. Discussion continued on the regional concern with non - aviation related development and its impact on traffic. Mr. Faramelli said that Massport is. committed to compatible uses and is guided by contiguous land uses. Peter Barker, 17 Fuller Rd., expressed concern that safety issues had not been addressed in the study. He reported that on four occasions, he had reported late night flights and upon calling was told by Massport that there P was no record of such operations. Mrs. Hals will investigate the matter, but thought it possible that bad weather had prevented the planes from actually landing which would explain why Massport had no record.