The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2007-06-19-HFAC-min Hanscom Field Advisory Commission Minutes June 19, 2007 Prepared by Massport Staff 1. May Minutes: There were no comments on the May Minutes. 2. ALP Presentation: Tom Ennis of Massport provided an overview of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) that was recently approved by the FAA. This plan, which replaces the 1981 ALP, is a series of engineering drawings that show the airport’s current infrastructure, what may exist if there is a build out of the future scenarios that are covered in the 2005 Environmental Status and Planning Report, the aircraft approach surfaces under FAA Part 77, and existing land uses. It includes a potential taxiway that was identified in the 1981 ALP. Gordon Feltman asked about the addition of gates or roadways to the East Ramp and stated that commercial roads cannot go through residential areas without appropriate review. T. Ennis noted that the ALP does not include any new gates or roadways to the East Ramp. In the event that any new roadways were proposed, Massport would follow the regulatory procedures. When T. Ennis returns from vacation, he will look into providing CD copies of the ALP for the local towns and their planning offices. In response to a question, Dorothy Steele said that Massport had not been contacted by Shire, a company that is talking to Lexington about a large manufacturing and/or research and development office in Lexington. 3. Monthly Noise Report: Sara Arnold presented the May noise report. Gordon Feltman asked about the purpose of the monthly noise reports and whether there is a threshold for noise that triggers some action, such as soundproofing for homes. Massport staff explained that soundproofing is part of a FAA sponsored program that can result from a FAA Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study. The study requires participation by the aviation and residential communities and studies two components—aircraft noise and land use planning. Some houses in Bedford might be eligible for soundproofing should a Part 150 Study be completed. It was noted that everything in the noise report is a result of requests for information from HFAC that have come over the years. The EXP noise metric is a tool that helps inform residents and Massport about what is happening at the airport in terms of aircraft noise and activity levels. This data is also used in producing the ESPR reports. It was also reported that the nighttime field use fee will increase 2.8% starting July 1, 2007. The fee for aircraft 12,500 pounds or less will increase from $49 to $50; the fee for heavier aircraft will increase from $357 to $367. The fee doubles after five nighttime operations in a calendar year. 4. Planning Report/Capital Projects: Massport staff reported the following:  Runway Safety Area-Massport met with the Bedford Conservation Commission on June 13 to discuss plans for the Runway Safety Area upgrade. The hearing has been extended to July 11.  Hangar 10-Stream Enterprises, which is leasing Hangar 10 from Massport, had a hearing with the Lincoln Conservation Commission relating to their plans to redevelop Hangar 10. The conservation commission is now preparing its Order of Conditions.  Hangar 24-A consultation session was held with the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) on June 15 regarding Massport’s desire to redevelop Hangar 24. In addition to Massport and MHC staff, representatives from the Concord and Lincoln Boards of Selectmen, Save Our Heritage, the Concord Historical Commission, Massport’s engineering consultant, and Massport’s consultant on historic issues attended. Members of the residential communities would like to see the hangar made into a museum in recognition of the historically significant research and development that took place in the hangar. Massport supports the documentation of the historical significance of those events, but believes the hangar is obsolete and the location is inappropriate for a museum. Massport is accepting comments until June 29 on its proposal to document the historical significance of Hangar 24 events.  Nighttime Landing Fees: The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has asked the FAA to respond to their 2000 letter that claims Hanscom’s nighttime field use fee is unduly discriminatory and that the legality of the fee should be reviewed. Massport maintains that the fee was grandfathered when the 1990 Airport Noise and Capacity Act was enacted. However, Massport recognizes that it may be advisable to change to a noise based fee. Massport is communicating with the FAA and will keep HFAC informed when there are additional developments.  Airside Rescue and Fire Fighting: Hanscom’s current Airside Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) contract with the Air Force Base will expire on June 30, 2007. Massport has been pursuing and will continue to pursue a variety of options to have the Air Force continue to provide ARFF services. On an interim basis, Hanscom Field will be covered by the Massport Logan Fire Department, and the Air Force will serve as a secondary responder.  Vegetation Management Program: When a proposal is prepared for the vegetation management needed in Bedford’s Jordan conservation land, it will be shared with the Bedford selectmen before going to the Bedford Conservation Commission. 5. Other: H. Manz said that Julian Bussgang had made some suggestions regarding the HFAC Memorandum of Understanding. G. Feltman suggested that the Commission consider future discussions on canceling HFAC meetings. He noted that it is possible to keep the towns informed without having actual meetings. H. Manz suggested that G. Feltman and J. Bussgang should meet. D. Steele asked to be included. In response to a question, D. Steele reported that there have been no recent discussions with cargo or commercial carriers. 6. Next Meeting: It was agreed that meetings will not be held in July and August, unless an issue arises th that warrants a meeting. The next meeting date is set for September 18. HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION DATE: 6/19/07 HFAC MEMBER ATTENDEES CATEGORYNAMEIN ATTENDANCE ********************** Contiguous Towns (4) BedfordGordon FeltmanX Bedford Alt. ConcordAnne Shapiro Concord Alt.Charles Blair LexingtonHank ManzX Lexington Alt.Michael Barrett LincolnSara Mattes Lincoln Alt.Sarah Cannon-Holden Local Citizen Groups (2)********************** So. LexMargaret Coppe No. LexGraydon WheatonX ********************** Area Wide Organizations (2) LWVMelodee Wagen LWV Alt. VACANT ********************** Other Area Towns (2) CarlisleSteve Lerner WalthamRep. Tom Stanley Waltham Alt.Michael Squillante ********************** Businesses Basing Acft at Hanscom (2) VACANT RaytheonMichael Burke Aviation/Aviation Related Businesses (2)********************** Jet AviationFrank DiglioX Signature Flight SupportRick BlazeX Signature Alt.Jim Phelps Business Aviation Organization (1)********************** MBAAJohn Williams NBAA (Alt. Org.)Ken Heider ********************** General Aviation Organization (1) Hanscom Pilots AssociationThomas HirschX ********************** Ex-Officio Members MassportSara ArnoldX MassportBarbara Patzner MassportCedric DanielX MassportDorothy SteeleX MassportTom EnnisX HAFB FAABarry MorganX MMNHPNancy Nelson *********************************************** Other Attendees 1Katie Winchell 2Thomas Hardy