READINGTON TWP. | During a public information session on Tuesday’s $22 million bond referendum, Solberg Airport co-owner Thor Solberg Jr. and township Mayor Gerard Shamey came as close together on the issue as they ever have.
Officials want to secure the money to prevent the airport from developing into a jetport, but airport owners fear it will spark an eminent domain process to seize their family’s land.
Wednesday night, Solberg said he would consider a permanent deed restriction limiting the main runway length to 3,735 feet if it were "part of a package" that took the whole airport into consideration and if it would be required to protect the community.
"I appreciate that statement; (it) gives me hope," Shamey said.
Solberg then asked Shamey if he would "take eminent domain off the table."
Shamey said he would consider it if the Solbergs put their agreement limiting runway length in writing.
Airport owners say township officials misrepresented their position during the several months of negotiations over the airport’s future that ended in January. Officials maintain Solberg Aviation’s final proposal was to extend the main runway to 5,000 feet and the crosswinds runway to 3,700 feet.
Officials warn an airport of that size would seriously detract from the township residents’ quality of life, but the Solbergs maintain they have no plan for an expansion in the works.
Resident Judy Caporelli questioned why no action has been taken over the years to restrict the airport. Solberg said his family treasures the township and hasn’t taken steps to intrude on it.
That exchange left some residents confused, prompting one woman in the crowd of nearly 70 to ask "what’s the problem?"
A stream of letters and information on both sides of the airport debate has been distributed to residents in recent weeks, and some said Wednesday it contains conflicting ideas and data.
"I’m confused about the message," resident Dan Redmond 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: May 11, 2006 Source: PennLive.com
URL: http://www.pennlive.com/news/expresstimes/nj/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1147324148193890.xml&coll=2
