Public to have say on Solberg airport
Aviation Company officials upset residents are involved.

By ANDREA EILENBERGER
The Express-Times

READINGTON TWP. -- Township officials and owners of the Solberg airport have been discussing the property's future behind closed doors since they agreed to negotiate in August.

But after a barrage of public inquiries, officials decided to open the doors to the public and set a special informational meeting for 6:30 tonight. Officials will disclose details of the talks, field questions from the public and hear from aviation professionals.

"This gives us an opportunity to pause, take the public's temperature and see what the next step is," said Committeeman Frank Gatti, who is a former mayor.

Township officials and the Solberg Aviation Co. agreed to begin the negotiations during the township's Aug. 22 meeting. According to a letter Mayor Gerard Shamey wrote, the talks were intended to craft a plan that is in line with the township's open space and natural resource preservation, maintains the Solberg airport and addresses the public's concern that the township's "very special quality of life" be preserved.

Also during that meeting, officials decided not to pursue a highly contested $22 million bond to purchase the airport. Prior to that, a deal between Solberg and the state Department of Transportation to purchase the property for the same amount fell through.

After seven negotiation sessions, Gatti said officials "went as far as we think we could have gone" and "the other side said went as far as they thought they could go," Gatti said.

But Thor Solberg Jr, who owns the airport with his two sisters, said they aren't in favor of holding a public session at this time and want to continue the private discussions.

"We're very disappointed that the township decided to break off negotiations," Solberg said.

He was shocked to receive a letter from the township that had been sent to all township residents announcing the public meeting. Gatti said Solberg Aviation was notified of the meeting and invited to make a presentation.

Solberg is not able to attend the meeting due to a previously scheduled trip, he said.

Solberg said the negotiations "started out on a very positive" note, with both sides recognizing the benefit the airport holds for the community and a mutual goal of protecting that benefit. But the nature of negotiations shifted around November, he said.

The airport was actively seeking "a method that would guarantee the activity of the airport in the future without seriously impacting the way of life in town" through creative ways to reduce any noise or disturbance, Solberg said.

Both Solberg and Gatti agreed the approximate 750-acre property is unique. Solberg cited the size and shape of the property, as well as the "significant value associated with an operating airport especially in this area."

Gatti said the property is environmentally sensitive and is home to wildlife.

"We'd like to see the airport maintained," he said. "But there are historic issues, environmental issues, and the community character we're looking to protect."

While "we'd like to see improvements be made, it's a balancing act," he said.

Solberg said his side entered into the discussions "in good faith and offered to prohibit all noisy jets, change the landing path and departure path to impact even fewer homes," he said.

They also proposed to provide up to $1 million in tax relief to homeowners by installing hangars which would have increased tax ratables without stressing the school system, and preserve "hundreds of acres of open space," Solberg said.

Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com.

© 2006 The Express-Times.

Date: January 17, 2006 Source: Pennlive.com
URL: http://www.pennlive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1137492355167480.xml?expresstimes?nnj&coll=2&thispage=1