READINGTON TWP. -- Township committee, before a raucous crowd of about 400 residents, unanimously approved a proposal Tuesday night to borrow $22 million to buy Solberg Airport.

The airport's future has been a controversial issue for years. Township officials want the airport to remain at its current size and preserve 650 acres surrounding the facility with the Solbergs maintaining ownership.

"We do have the right to control our own destiny," Mayor Gerard Shamey said. "This is our township."

Bob Cole, whose family has lived in the township for generations, said he'd be upset to find out that the bond ordinance was "the condemnation train leaving the station."

Cole urged both sides to sit down again and negotiate. He suggested getting a mediator involved.

Township officials denied the $22 million bond ordinance is the beginning of an eminent domain process.

Thor Solberg Jr., who co-owns the airport with his sisters, handed out red stickers Thursday night with the word "NO!" on them. He also gave out packets of information contradicting what township officials have said about the Solbergs' plans for the airport.

Solberg said Tuesday there are no immediate plans to expand the airport.

"I don't know what we want to do," Solberg said.

He said that would be for future generations to decide.

"We are disappointed that the township seems to have decided to seize the airport through eminent domain," Solberg said, in a news release he handed out to residents. "There's no telling what can happen to this land now. But our goal is to try to keep it the way it is, a community airport, and protect undeveloped areas for open space."

Solberg suggested putting together an informational forum in a month or two for residents.

Township officials are seeking an appraisal of 726 acres of the approximately 750-acre property they say will give them a more firm stand in negotiations. Over the years, appraisals ranged from $9.5 million to $42 million.

Township resident Ed Dudzinski said the bond ordinance should be voted on by the residents. Solberg and several other residents agree with putting it to a referendum.

Last July, officials introduced an ordinance similar to the one discussed Tuesday night. They dropped it about a month later and instead began negotiations with the Solbergs. Talks fell apart in January, leaving the sides at odds over several issues, particularly runway length.

Officials want to cap the airport's main runway at 3,735 feet, a length they say will prevent the airport from expanding into a regional jetport. The Solbergs' final offer included extending the runway to 5,000 feet and increasing the amount of hangar space from 30,000 square feet to 500,000 square feet, according to township officials.

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

© 2006 The Express-Times.

Date: February 22, 2006 Source: NJ.com
URL: http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/nj/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1140585129132810.xml&coll=2