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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-02-17-HFA-min HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING 1987 NAR 12 E.): 37 FEBRUARY 17 , 1987 LL L' q1Arc, The following persons were present: Bill Johansen Lexington Brad Counihan Acton Bill Sohni NBAA Ben Obear A.O.P.A. Jane Farmer LWV Jo Rita Jordan Carlisle Robert Domnitz Lexington-Merriam Hill Assoc. Fred J. Marcus Lincoln Rich Theriault Lincoln Ed Farnsworth HPA David Needham Lexington Peter Barker Lexington Susan Johansen Lexington Scott Cooledge Lexington Bob Lombardo Beechcraft Rick Hill Concord R. D. Sanford Gillette Co. Michael Dye Jet Aviation Dick Nabors Jet Aviation Tom Levesque Beechcraft J.M. Wraga Beechcraft Larry Murray Raytheon Ardine Shepard Massport Joyce Hals Massport Donald H. Wilson HPA Ted Jula HPA Michelle Matteo Bedford Graydon Wheaton CAPA Minutes - Members requested several changes. The review of the State of Hanscom by David Davis should include the fact that he believes the effect of natural growth of aviation activity at Hanscom would result in more noise. A correction was requested to show the proper name to be used in discussions of the Lincoln land swap should be Lincoln North , not Cranberry Hill Associates. The members also asked that in future noise complaints statistics be reconciled. Limited Service Motel Status Report - Joyce Hals advised Commission that Massport staff will be starting work on the request for proposal. She discussed the history of how Hanscom was approached by a developer for approval to build a hotel primarily for aviation uses. Following Massport' s review, the idea was considered an appropriate use of the site and a decision reached in early December to follow through on the concept by requesting proposals. The hotel is viewed by Massport as helping to meet a demand for hotel rooms by the users of Hanscom. They also expect that area residents , as well as the Air Force base, utilize the facility. A limited service concept was chosen because of the minimal traffic impact indicated for this type of hotel. As plans develop, Massport will be discussing the proposal in much greater detail with the Town of Lincoln, HATS , and HFAC. A draft of the Request for Proposal will be shown to HFAC members and Lincoln for comments. Bedford Land Purchase Status Report - Joyce Hals reported that Massport has been considering purchase of 50 acres of Bedford land which abuts Hanscom Field. The purchase would be to preclude future housing development on the property. A number of HFAC members stated that Massport should only do so if it were to be purchased as conservation land. Jane Farmer distributed a map of the site and showed that access would be through wetlands. Joyce Hals agreed that there are wetlands but that future access will be possible via another route on the Raytheon side of the property. Bob Dominitz stated he had discussed the issue with the Meriam Hill Association and they felt the purchase would violate the policy stated in the Master Plan. Massport did not agree, stating that this is exactly the type of development that would fit the policy. Michelle Matteo asked if HFAC would support the purchase if Massport would then give the land to Bedford for conservation. Massport ' s response is that they would not buy land to give it away. Many of the members urged Massport to consider the conservation option. Joyce Hals indicated that their views would be considered and that at this time no offer has been made to the landowner. Gillette Flight Facility Report - Sandy Sanford advised HFAC that after 33 years the flight operation will disband. He is now in the process of helping to find work for the staff and disposing of assets. The lease will expire in 1994 . He will let Massport know when tie Gillette position is more clearly defined. N.) 2 GEIR Mitigating Measures - Norman Faramelli responded to HFAC ' s request for inclusion in the final GEIR of mitigating measures. He listed possible measures for the environmental categories discussed in the GEIR. Several additional suggestions from members were requested. Fred Marcus asked that Massport would agree to cutting back on the size of a development to mitigate traffic. Peter Barker asked about inclusion of noise monitoring equipment to mitigate aircraft noise, such as what is used at White Plains. Bill Sohni pointed out that the equipment ' s use is inconclusive because of the problems associated with background noise. Regional Airport Study - Norman Faramelli provided an update of the information learned during a summer survey of 3600 Logan passengers. The survey asked passengers if they would consider using regional airports instead of Logan, such as Providence, Manchester, Portland, Burlington and Worcester. They were also asked what were important factors considered in choosing an airport. They found that the most important requirement is choice and quantity of service. Logan attracts passengers for many reasons. The facilities, size, alternative flights were very important. The smaller airports as alternatives to the larger regional airports presents more problems. There are small markets - The location to business districts and cost of travel did not seem important. The fact that the survey was taken in the summer probably effected the responses for vacation travelers . The survey information will be used to assist other airports. Members were told that Hanscom had not been included as one of the airports because it was not an existing air carrier or commuters. Massport would like to see air cargo and commuter operations out of Hanscom. Ben Obear pointed out that 15 years ago Transeast had operated a successful operation from Hanscom to New York. Commission Effectiveness - Fred Marcus stated he has concerns that HFAC is not doing as much as it could or should. He mentioned lack of communication with Massport, noise, Pilots Association, etc. He asked members to attend an ad hoc meeting on March 2nd at Hanscom' s conference room. Nominating Committee - Bob Domnitz representing an association, John Wraga, representing the users, and JoRita Jordan representing the towns were nominated. Statistics & Planning - There was no EXP report because the student who compiles the data has been ill. The complaints were only for night operations , 7 of which were identified. However 3 of those were for the same aircraft that landed during snow removal work and the N# was not recorded. Other - Michelle Matteo distributed a copy of a bill, Senate 1490, introducted by Ms. Amick for legislation relative to development at Hanscom Field. She explained that its intent is to mandate that Hanscom would be subject to local zoning for non-aviation relatelkland. =