2023-06-22-HATS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Rasmussen asserted that constraining jet expansion at Hanscom could serve to reduce overall demand for jet flights and impact the entire jet aviation system Mr Rasmussen noted that neither towns nor the state legislature have regulatory authority over this expansion,and Massport does not have the power to affect or curtail operations once facilities are built. The initial public comment period for the project occurred in February,with more than 300 comments received from municipalities,organizations, and private citizens Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency(MEPA) issued a scoping document that required a full Environmental Impact Form (EIF)for the project,which should be available in the fall There will be another public comment period once the draft EIF has been filed Mr. Rasmussen proposed that the Select Boards in the four Hanscom towns submit a joint letter to the governor offering a unified message opposing the process because it conflicts with state and local plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Mr. Hornig commented that having a presentation about the proposal in general would have been helpful,as many people are not familiar with the project plans He asked what aviation operations would be acceptable at Hanscom Field, as having options to propose to the governor would be helpful in finding an overall solution Mr Rasmussen said that waiting until electric or sustainable aircraft were available could be acceptable. Mr Hutchinson noted that the Lincoln Select Board has already discussed the contradiction between the emissions from this project and the state and local reduction goals.The Lincoln Select Board are on board with a joint letter from the HATS towns Select Boards to the governor that narrowly points out that contradiction. Mr Hutchinson asked if there is an issue with state vs federal control over emissions Mr Rasmussen said the state plan notes that aviation emissions are a problem but did not offer solutions,given the confusion over jurisdiction There is no regulation of aviation emissions by the state,and the state cannot discriminate against aviation operations by type The FAA has nothing in its mandate about controlling or reducing emissions Ms Mitchell noted that the Town of Bedford would hesitate to take a position opposing the project outright,as whatever development might happen at the site would affect Bedford's infrastructure regardless She was open to Mr Hutchinson's proposal for a letter outlining the narrow objection, but felt it would be harder for Bedford to sign on to a broader statement. Mr Taylor noted that this is a major investment in a long-lived capital asset,and once it has begun it would be hard to back out of to meet emissions-reduction goals by 2050. Terri Ackerman of the Concord Select Board noted that she has been designated to draft a joint letter from the four towns, brief and narrow in scope,which the Concord Select Board will review at its June 26 meeting. Ms. Ackerman will share the letter with the other HATS Select Board members,so they can bring it to their boards for comment over the next few weeks Ms Escobedo cautioned that the letter should clearly state that it is a draft and not yet reviewed or adopted by Concord The committee discussed the ideal timeframe for sending a letter to the governor, and determined that,while there is no clear deadline,sooner is better. Ms. Coppe reminded the committee that in the past, proposed developments at Hanscom failed due to extensive public opposition,the governor did not step in to delay or stop a project Municipal Updates Bedford:The Town is accepting applications for a new Town Manager,with the hope of having someone in place in the early fall.The new fire station building process is underway:the building committee, architects, and owner's project manager have held meetings with abutters,the Historic District