Here is the template for the proposed replacement airport. See posts below to compare with what's already on the ground, and make your own evaluation of the true potential for economic development .
Economic Potential is a hollow promise
Here is the template for the proposed replacement airport. See posts below to compare with what's already on the ground, and make your own evaluation of the true potential for economic development .
Executive Airport Still Awaits Development
You can barely find the outline of this 51-year-old airport among the verdant fields. Owned by Hamilton County Board of Aviation Commissioners, this airport lies only 14 miles NW of Indianapolis.
Whatever happened to "if you build it, they will come"? Photo: 2007
Fledgling airport displays little growth
Situated in rural Hendricks County, this young airport is only 13 miles West of Indianapolis. It is owned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority. In its six years of operation, little - if any - growth has developed around it. Photo: 2007
Mt. Comfort's Open Arms
Mt. Comfort Airport has been nestled in an attractive rural setting for the last 30 years. It is only 12 miles East of Indianapolis and is owned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA).
Friday, August 17, the IAA authorized more than $30,000 for a design study to rehabilitate Taxiway "A".
Photo: 2007
To make way for better economic success, Fishers jettisons airport
Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport (Fishers), owned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority, is 46 years old and 8 miles NE of Indianapolis. Blessed with a lucky confluence of I-69, 37 and Geist Reservoir, Fishers saw ballooning growth as Indianapolis sprawled north. Not only did the airport have little to do with the growth, it is actually a hindrance to Fishers' expansion. Surely if the airport were a keystone of their economic success, Fishers would fight to keep it. Instead, they want to be rid of it. No jobs worth keeping, here.Photo: 2007
If you build it, will they come?
Anderson Airport is located 3 miles East of Anderson. Growth around the airport is almost exclusively residential. Owned by the City of Anderson, this 48-year-old airport was built in 1959, and lived through GM's golden age. If it were ever going to develop industry for the City, it would surely have done so by now.
Sadly, it seems to some that the City has willfully neglected this airport.
According to the latest at BOAC, there were 2,513 less flights in 2007 year-to-date than during the same time period in 2006. Airports, therefore, do not equate with jobs on the scale politicians promise. Photo: 2007
South Madison Community School Board Opposes Airport
On Thurday, August 16, the South Madison Community School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to oppose the possible relocation of an airport into Green and Stony Creek Townships in southern Madison County.
Superintendent Dr. Tom Warmke shared information on the possible loss of $114,000 per year in tax support for the school system, at 2006 tax rates.
Board members deplored the secrecy shrouding the entire process. One refused an invitation to a clandestine meeting.
"Good projects come in the front door," said another board member, paraphrasing a comment heard at Commissioner Paul Wilson's July 31st meeting.
Recent aerial photos of five relief airports around the Indianapolis International Airport, including Anderson, Mt. Comfort, Fishers Metropolitan and others, were shown. Though some of the airports have been in place for 30, 51 and 56 years, little development has occurred. The person who distributed the photos commented that only Fishers Airport shows surrounding growth, but that the growth has not been due to the airport; in fact, the Fishers Airport is preventing further growth, which is why Fishers Town Council is trying to get rid of it.
One board member shared her concern that the withdrawal of 4,000 acres from the tax rolls due to airport and TIF grants would cause current taxpayers to shoulder additional tax burden just to keep the school system at its current level.
She also noted scientific research finding that students in schools located within a certain radius of an airport suffered significant drops in reading scores on standardized tests. Since the Board had recently voted to spend $500,000 on a state-of-the-art reading improvement program, it was critical to oppose a project which could nullify the positive effects of the program.
Superintendent Dr. Tom Warmke shared information on the possible loss of $114,000 per year in tax support for the school system, at 2006 tax rates.
Board members deplored the secrecy shrouding the entire process. One refused an invitation to a clandestine meeting.
"Good projects come in the front door," said another board member, paraphrasing a comment heard at Commissioner Paul Wilson's July 31st meeting.
Recent aerial photos of five relief airports around the Indianapolis International Airport, including Anderson, Mt. Comfort, Fishers Metropolitan and others, were shown. Though some of the airports have been in place for 30, 51 and 56 years, little development has occurred. The person who distributed the photos commented that only Fishers Airport shows surrounding growth, but that the growth has not been due to the airport; in fact, the Fishers Airport is preventing further growth, which is why Fishers Town Council is trying to get rid of it.
One board member shared her concern that the withdrawal of 4,000 acres from the tax rolls due to airport and TIF grants would cause current taxpayers to shoulder additional tax burden just to keep the school system at its current level.
She also noted scientific research finding that students in schools located within a certain radius of an airport suffered significant drops in reading scores on standardized tests. Since the Board had recently voted to spend $500,000 on a state-of-the-art reading improvement program, it was critical to oppose a project which could nullify the positive effects of the program.
Future Lapel School Board meetings
The school board meetings will be held at different schools
through November, possibly longer, due to the remodeling of the central office.
Just check with the office before each meeting to find the location.
Thanks to one of our correspondents for this information. We believe the Board
meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. If this is
in error, please email dont_fly_zone@hotmail.com with the correct information.
"Stop the Airport" t-shirts
White t-shirts sporting "Stop the Airport near Lapel" were seen recently at the Lapel Town Council meeting. These t-shirts are available for purchase from a local firm. With enough interest, we could have "Stop the Airport in South Madison" t-shirts made available at an upcoming Township meeting. If interested, please email dont_fly_zone@hotmail.com.
Arranging a Meeting for Property Owners
If you own property that lies within the 4000 acres of the proposed airport, others who live within that area would like to meet with you. If interested, please respond to dont_fly_zone@hotmail.com The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. August 30th, and due to space considerations is limited to owners whose property has been earmarked for the proposed replacement airport.
Upcoming Important Meetings:
Thursday, October 11th - Anderson Common Council Meeting - 7 p.m.
Anderson City Hall - 1st Floor
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 648-5944
Tuesday, October 2nd
Anderson Board of Aviation Commissioners - 4:30 p.m.
Anderson Airport
Monday, October 1st -
Community Meeting hosted by County Commissioner Paul Wilson
7 p.m.,Trinity Life Center, crossroads of SR38 and SR13. Mr. Wilson has invited the Indianapolis Airport Authority as well as local officials from Anderson, Pendleton and Lapel to be on hand for discussions about the proposed relocation airport.
Thursday, August 30 - Meeting for Landowners
This meeting is limited to those in the proposed 4,000 acre tract. If you believe you are in that tract and haven't been notified by flyer, please contact Dont_Fly_Zone@hotmail.com
Tuesday, September 4
- Anderson Board of Aviation Commissioners
6 p.m.
At this meeting, we may hear the BOAC recommend closing or selling the Anderson Municipal Airport. This would mean a decision to go forward with the proposed relocation airport by bringing it before the Federal Aviation Authority. We are encouraging EVERYONE WHO CAN to attend this meeting.
The Indianapolis Airport Authority will meet FRIDAY, September 7, at 8:30 at Indianapolis International Airport. If there is interest, we will arrange transportation for anyone wishing to attend. Please respond to dont_fly_zone@hotmail.com by Thursday, September 6, if you are interested. We are welcome to attend.
Lapel Town Council Votes Against Proposed Airport
The Lapel Town Council unanimously supported a proposal against the proposed Fishers relocation airport in South Madison County, August 2nd. Approximately 50 townfolk, many dressed in white "Stop the Airport near Lapel" t-shirt attended.
Frankton-Lapel School Board Votes Against Airport
The Frankton-Lapel School Board voted Wednesday night, August 8, to stand against the proposed airport. With the exception of Board President Nancy Likens, who cited conflict of interest, all board members present voted in favor of the proposal.
Mr. Kent Williams further stated, "I do not think this airport is good for Lapel and if it's not good for Lapel, it's not good for Lapel Schools." Mr. Williams made a motion for the Board to send letters stating their position to the local newspapers and to local and state officials.
Mr. Kent Williams further stated, "I do not think this airport is good for Lapel and if it's not good for Lapel, it's not good for Lapel Schools." Mr. Williams made a motion for the Board to send letters stating their position to the local newspapers and to local and state officials.
Questions Posed to the Anderson City Council, August 9, 2007
| * Has Anderson been asked or are they providing funding for any study |
| relating to the relocation of Metro Airport in Fishers? |
| Aerofinity explained that this council gave them the exact area of study. Who did this? |
| * Do you know of any ordinance proposed by anyone related to a new |
| airport in Madison County? |
| * Are any of you aware of Aerofinity's recommendation of studies required, and who |
| will be paying for these studies, in the council's opinion? These studies include: |
| 1) Master Plan Study |
| 2) Environmental Study |
| 3) Transition Requirements |
| 4) Planned Development Study |
| 5) Airspace Study |
| 6) System Planning Study |
| 7) Property Tax Impact Study on Area Proposed |
| * Has your council considered the tax consequences of an airport? |
| If not, do you know who is going to do the study? Should your council initiate the study? |
| Are you as a council willing to consult with the Green & Stony Creek Township Assessors? |
| Are any of you aware the Frankton-Lapel School District and South Madison Community School Corporation will lose $250-280,000 in taxes for our schools, and that both corporations are depending on local taxes to complete their new school buildings, already under construction? Anderson Council President Donna Davis promised to formally respond in writing to the above questions. These will be posted when they are received. |
| |
Anderson City Council Meeting, August 9, 2007
Greg Valentine, Green Township Trustee and Assessor, appeared before the Anderson City Council on Thursday evening, August 9, to get responses for four very specific and pointed questions, as listed above. These were presented to each Council Member individually, and a written response was requested. Mr. Valentine said that Council President Donna Davis made it clear she was opposed to the proposed airport. She asked Morris Long, City Comptroller, whether any City monies have been expended for this project. He said no, saying he knew nothing further about it. She asked whether anyone else there was doing something "we don't know about." There was no verbal response, although at least two appeared uncomfortable under the audience's gaze. Council member Art Pepelea read a written statement, stating he would no longer officially participate in the acquisition of land in Green Twp.
Anderson Board of Aviation Commissioners - Aug. 7th, 2007 meeting
BOAC Members present:
President Tony Rogers
President Tony Rogers
Members:
Jim Thiemet
Phil Stephenson
Dennis Adams
John Blevins, Attorney
Steve Darlington, Manager of Anderson Airport
Don Manley, Engineer
Leann Walters, Secretary
On the FBO proposal (fixed base operations - providers of fuel, maintenance, plane sales, etc.), President Tony Rogers began to address the question when Boardmember Phil Stephenson said he was not ready to accept it now.
Mr. Rogers said they would sit down with Steve Darlington, Airport Manager, and discuss it at a later unspecified date.
Mr. Rogers said they would sit down with Steve Darlington, Airport Manager, and discuss it at a later unspecified date.
Steve Darlington told them in 1999 he made a proposal and after 2 1/2 years, never got an answer. He told the board he had been doing all mowing and grounds work, refilling all planes, and managing day-to-day operations. He said he works about 85 hours a week, which is not in his job description. He said he would turn some of the work back over to them if they did not get him a contract.
Steve also stated there were 2,513 less touchdowns and takeoffs 2007 YTD (year-to-date) than in 2006 YTD. Some wonder how much fuel prices may have impacted those numbers.
Steve also stated there were 2,513 less touchdowns and takeoffs 2007 YTD (year-to-date) than in 2006 YTD. Some wonder how much fuel prices may have impacted those numbers.
They discussed an Aeropark plat and Mounds Park possible improvements, for instance wanting a fly-in bed and breakfast type building project that the DNR is looking into with them.
Fence repairs and taxiway for Xtreme Alternative Defense Systems, an Anderson business, were discussed briefly. Deer and holes in fences along Mounds State Park are problems which need correction.
The Mallard Lake Landfill nearby appeared to be avoided by President Rogers.
Flight School Proposal was briefly addressed.
Susan Schalk of Aerofinity spoke next. She was never listed on the pre-meeting agenda, but was a last-minute introduction. She gave an overview and said that on Friday, August 10, they would announce which library would house a copy of the report. Ms. Schalk did not specify whether she meant an Anderson or Indianapolis library. There will be a copy at Flagship Center available to inspect. There were 6 copies left for BOAC board members. Tony Rogers said there would be a copy left with Airport Manager Steve Darlington for anyone to peruse. No copies can be made from the documents left with Mr. Darlington.
Interestingly, BOAC President Tony Rogers made it clear that there would be no public comment allowed after the Aerofinity presentation.
Those who have had a chance to study the report indicate it contains inaccuracies and spurious correlations.
Ms. Schalk's report stated:
Ms. Schalk's report stated:
Asked by Flagship Enterprise to do study, Aerofinity's role was to "touch a toe in the water."
Area was defined exactly to the tee with 3 objectives:
1) Look at area defined
2) Replacement Airport: would it meet needs
3) Financial operations and Market of the area
She said there was a study process recommended with the following issues to be addressed, comprising about 8 pages:
1) Overview of Indy Metro Airport
2) Overview of Anderson Airport
3) Footprint of Study Area
4) The ideal replacement airport
5) Site location serving current users
Small to mid-sized jets and transcontinental capabilities
6) Alternatives for site within site area
7) Environmental Overview of area
8) Potential aviation activity
By looking at addresses of plane owners
FAA says within 30 minute drive time from home or business to get your plane
There could be 160-183 based aircraft in this area in a few years with 55,000 - 60,000 annual operations
She said they compared operating cost notes to "Fulton", but it was not clear which Fulton she meant.
Ms Schalk indicated very strongly........There Was Not a detailed airspace analysis done
Ms Schalk indicated very strongly........There Was Not a detailed airspace analysis done
A financial feasibility study was not done
There are a few hurdles, as she said.
Over 300 people attended Aerofinity's Open House presentation at the Flagship on July 23rd, 2007.
Comments (153 documented) were gathered (from 200 people) until Monday, August 6th, and some have not been looked at yet. She came with all the info she had at the time. Note that Aerofinity's presentation to this Board was made on August 7th, the day after comments were solicited for the Feasibility Study. There is no way they could all have been represented in this report, although she said all received comments were included in the document she left....but she indicated they had tabulated the results to have ready for this meeting.
She made it very, very clear the comments showed the public is to quote her ...."in opposition"
Once again she said Aerofinity's assignment was to "dip the toe in the water."
There have been questions raised, she said on how to Improve Anderson and Mt. Comfort Airports
Quoting her again..." Replacement Airports are NOT TYPICAL in this day"
"This is NOT easy to do, to create a replacement airport"
" In my 25 years of doing this, I only have had 2 such projects"
"Aerofinity is NOT making a recommendation at this time"
"There are additional things to do before this gets going"
1) Airspace Study
2) System Planning
3) Master Plan Study ( we assume the county's master plan, but this could be Anderson's)
4) Planned Development Study
5) Environmental Study
6) Transition Requirements
7) Property Tax Impact Study on Area
_________________________________________________________
Questions:
Airport Manager Steve Darlington asked the BOAC Board who gave Aerofinity permission to do the study. He said it should have been moved and seconded and passed in his opinion. Why is Flagship involved?
President Rogers appeared defensive as he responded that Flagship undertook the study and that was it.
President Rogers appeared defensive as he responded that Flagship undertook the study and that was it.
Mr. Darlington did not agree.
Board President Tony Rogers said he did not think "there was anything on the airport study too official going on."
Mr. Darlington said he felt the Board should have been notified that the study was going on. Apparently, he had been expected to supply information to Aerofinity, but had not been notified that the study was being undertaken.
Tony Rogers said there was no action towards a study or to commission a study in his opinion and, "...this is going nowhere."
Mr. Darlington said Mr. Rogers' opinion was noted. He then asked why Aerofinity would be allowed to speak, but not the Anderson Airport Support Group (AASG). He said a board member had told him he could not put them on the agenda. When someone asked Mr. Darlington which board member was responsible for muzzling the Airport Support Group, Mr. Darlington answered, "Tony".
Tony Rogers denied it. Mr. Darlington said, "You did in an e-mail." Mr. Rogers had no comment to that.
Once again, Mr. Darlington asked why an Aerofinity representative was allowed to speak, but the AASG was not. There was no reply from the President of the Anderson Board of Aviation Commissioners.
Once again, Mr. Darlington asked why an Aerofinity representative was allowed to speak, but the AASG was not. There was no reply from the President of the Anderson Board of Aviation Commissioners.
Public input: One person asked for a copy of the qualifications it took to sit on the Anderson Board of Aviation Commissioners. The Board President promised to obtain them.
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 4th at 4:30 p.m. at the Anderson Airport. The public is encouraged to attend.
Links to Related Stories
EDITORIAL: Interstate I-69 is an avenue to the future - January 30, 2008
Two-for-one deal is bad for Indiana GA airports - November 29, 2007
Airport move to Madison County grounded - November 28, 2007
Ockomon: new airport 'a dead issue' - November 26,2007Election puts new airport on hold - November 14, 2007
Airport move in doubt after Anderson mayor's defeat - November 9, 2007
Regime change in Anderson may have Fishers looking elsewhere for airport location - November 9, 2007
Viewpoint: New FAA Grant Shows Support of Existing Airport - October 27, 2007
Airport lands $2.9 million grant; FAA will fund taxiway relocation project - October 24, 2007
Airport questions need answered - October 19, 2007
Mayoral candidates debate issues to packed crowd in City Hall - October 18, 2007
UPDATE: No Fly Zone brings petition to Council - October 12, 2007
Madison County Seeks Details on Airport Move - October 3, 2007
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071003/LOCAL/71003021
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071003/NEWS09/71003007/1154
http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200771003009
No-Fly Zone Mounting Grassroots Opposition to Airport - October 1, 2007
Aviation Board in Painful Leadership Role - October 2, 2007
Airport Board Won't Attend Public Meeting - September 27, 2007
VIEWPOINT: Residents oppose proposed airport in southwest Madison County - September 25, 2007
Commissioners request Airport Study - August 21, 2007
Study for Proposed Madison County Airport Gets Delivered - August 10, 2007
Confrontation at the Anderson City Council Meeting - August 9, 2007
Cargo hub? - August 3, 2007
Residents prepare for legal battle: - August 1, 2007
Residents Preparing to Fight Airport Proposal - July 31, 2007
VIEWPOINT: TIF Districts are Not the Solution - July 27, 2007
Plans for New Airport Concern Some In Madison County - July 23, 2007
Public Joins Airport Discussion - July 23, 2007
Airport Relocation Update
VIDEOS: Madison County Commissioner Paul Wilson's Informational Meeting, July 31, 2007
http://www.pendleton-gazette.com/video07312007_1.html
http://www.pendleton-gazette.com/video07312007_2.html
http://www.pendleton-gazette.com/video07312007_3.html
http://www.pendleton-gazette.com/video07312007_4.html
http://www.pendleton-gazette.com/video07312007_5.html
Pendleton News: Pilot looks to rebuild travel center*
*“It’s an exciting time for that part of the county,” Ochs [Tim Ochs, Ice Miller attorney] said. “There is talk of an airport and infrastructure should be extended. Pilot is willing to participate in the cost.” Ochs suggested a tax increment financing (TIF) district be set up to capture property taxes generated by improvements on the property.
(c) Herald Bulletin, Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.
We point out for your consideration, that Indianapolis Airport Authority President Lacy Johnson and Pilot's attorney Tim Ochs both work for the same legal firm, Ice Miller. What does that suggest to you?
Just Say No! - People to Contact
This is a preliminary listing, and more information will be added as soon as we get it. Please attend these meetings to show your interest in their decisions. You are invited to contact any of these public servants to make your views known.
Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) Board of Directors:
Next Meeting: August 17, 2007 @ 8:30 a.m.
Airport Board Room
Indianapolis International Airport
Lacy M. Johnson - IAA President
partner in the law firm Ice Miller LLP
E-Mail: lacy.johnson@icemiller.com
Assistant Name: Laura Brown
Mailing Address:
L. M. Johnson,
Ice Miller LLP,
One American Square
Suite 3100
Indianapolis, IN 46282-0200
Anderson Board of Aviation, Anderson, Indiana
Meets first Tuesday of each month at the Anderson Airport
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 4th at 4:30 p.m. at the Anderson Airport. The public is encouraged to attend.
J.A "Tony" Rogers: tony@hydrotechcorp.com (President)
Dennis Adams: da321_2006@yahoo.com
Jim Thiemet: thiemet@madcofcu.org
Phil Stephenson: philstephensen@yahoo.com
Bob Schuler: bschuler@cityofanderson.com
Anderson City Council
To speak at a city council meeting, call City Council President Donna Davis IN ADVANCE at 765-644-3263 to put your name on the agenda. You may decide to withdraw your name when you are at the meeting, but you won't be able to add it if you want the opportunity to address the Council.Mayor: Kevin S. Smith
| (765) 648-6000 | mayor@cityofanderson.com |
Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month in City Council Chambers
| Name | District | Phone |
| Rodney Chamberlain | At Large: President | (765) 642-4312 |
| Donna Davis | District 2 | (765) 643-3238 |
| Ollie Dixon | District 4 | (765) 649-4529 |
| Rick Muir | At Large | (765) 649-6625 |
| Joseph Newman | District 6 | (765) 644-0104 |
| Art Pepelea, Jr. C.E.P. | District 5 | (765) 643-6650 |
| Kato Smith | At Large | (765) 643-5247 |
| Paul J. Stapleton | District 3 | (765) 649-7176 |
| Mike Welch | District 1 | (765) 642-4768 |
Madison County Commissioners:
SOUTH district: Paul Wilson email: pwilson@madisoncty.com
MIDDLE district: Pat Dillon email: pdillon@madisoncty.com
NORTH district: John Richwine email: jrichwine@madisoncty.com
Anderson Air Support Group
Meets every Monday night
For contact info, email dont_fly_zone@hotmail.com
To view the proposed airport plans, please go to:
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/images/news/ProposedIndyMetroAirport.pdf
Just the Beginning
We have created this blog spot to keep you up-to-date on information about the proposed relocation of Fishers (Indiana) Metropolitan Airport to a location in Green and Stony Creek Townships near the towns of Lapel and Pendleton, Indiana. This group is dedicated to the opposition of this airport.
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