| Blaine council doesn’t support runway expansion |
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| Tuesday, 26 May 2009 | ||
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by Tim Hennagir Life Editor Blaine council members have set a June 4 date to review a resolution that will state the city’s opposition to expansion at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Citizens who packed city hall last Thursday applauded the decision. A large group stood in protest to support a request made by Blaine resident Scott Lipa.
During open forum, Lipa asked the council to oppose any change in the airport’s current minor classification as well as a controversial runway extension plan. Connecticut-based Key Air LLC has asked the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) to consider its request to add 1,000 feet to the east-west runway. The executive aviation charter company filed documents in March that also seek to increase Runway 9-27’s double-wheel weight capacity to 95,000 pounds. Lipa said the runway is rated at 60,000 pounds double wheel-weight. He added many nearby homes were built with the promise the airport would remain minor. “We have heard the city of Blaine does not support this,” Lipa told council. “We would like to see the city approve a resolution against any runway expansion, weight or length increase.” Lipa said the cities of Lexington, Lino Lakes, Circle Pines and Mounds View have already passed resolutions stating their opposition to Key Air’s runway request. City Manager Clark Arneson said city staff was working on a draft resolution that would be presented to the full council during its regular meeting next Thursday. “That resolution will clearly state this council will not support expansion beyond a minor status,” Arneson said. “The resolution will be worded along those lines.” Mayor Tom Ryan reaffirmed Arneson’s statement. Ryan said the city will not support a higher-level classification, which would make the airport an intermediate. “In every comprehensive plan I’ve reviewed since I’ve been on the council, we’ve held to the minor classification,” Ryan said. “That’s where it’s going to stay.” Ryan said MAC staff members who recently met with area cities for a comprehensive plan update were also blind-sided by Key Air’s request for improvements. “We all celebrated the economic development when Key Air came to the airport, but there wasn’t any discussion with the city about a runway footage change,” Ryan said. Councilmembers Mike Bourke and Katherine Kolb suggested citizens take their concerns to Anoka County Board of Commissioners for possible action. “I think you should solicit the same type of resolution from the county,” Kolb said. “I think you need multi-level government support. That would be a good thing.” Two years ago, the county entered into a public-private partnership with the Anoka Airport Development LLC and the MAC to foster earlier airport improvements. The east-west runway at the Anoka airport was extended from 4,000 to 5,000 feet, taxiways were improved and an Instrument Landing System (ILS) was added. Key Air LLC then developed its corporate jet facilities within the 39-acre Northwest Building Area as part of a unique sub-leasing agreement with Anoka County. Ryan said by July, the MAC was slated to make a statement regarding Key Air’s request for a longer and beefed-up runway be included in the MAC’s comp plan. Councilmember Dave Clark suggested citizens contact state and local representatives to sound off with their airport expansion and runway-related concerns. “Go up the chain of command, and include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” Clark said, adding he would support more public meetings about the issue. Cliff Ash, another Blaine resident, asked if the Anoka County-Blaine Airport operates according to limited hours. Ryan said the airport is open around the clock. Airport operations also were mentioned by resident Joe Leon. During open forum, Leon asked the council to consider public safety when dealing with airport issues. Lexington Councilmember John (Jack) Plasch spoke last during open forum. Plasch asked city leaders to make sure Blaine’s resolution addressed runway length. “People in surrounding communities are really against this,” Plasch said. “They would like to see you vote against any extension to 6,000 feet or intermediate.” Bourke asked Arneson if the draft resolution that will be reviewed June 4 would clearly establish the city’s position and address the comment made by Plasch. “The focal point of the resolution will be exactly that,” Arneson said. “This council has adopted a comp plan that indicates the airport status should remain classified as minor.” Tim Hennagir is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
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Citizens who packed city hall last Thursday applauded the Blaine City Council’s decision to support a resolution opposing expansion at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. A large group stood in silent protest as Blaine resident Scott Lipa spoke during open forum. (Photo by Tim Hennagir) | < Prev | Next > |
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