C.A.R.E CITIZENS AGAINST RUNWAY EXPANSION AT VANCE BRAND AIRPORT - LONGMONT
WHAT WE CARE ABOUT:
Increased Noise: Studies show all airport expansions increase noise...jet and/or prop. Complaint logs about current noise levels show complaints coming from as far as Lyons, Hwy 36 to the west, and north of Hwy 66. It will get worse with expansion. Most aircraft flying out of Vance Brand today generate decibel levels in the lower to upper 80's. Some corporate jets have a noise level output in the low to upper 90's. 100db is the maximum allowed by US law. (Click on LINKS tab to view studies on noise and airport expansion).
Impact on Neighborhoods: The city of Longmont encouraged development and issued permits for the neighborhoods in the area of the Longmont airport. Thousands of city residents and their children would be directly affected by the significant increase in noise and air pollution that increased jet traffic will bring to Longmont. The irreversible costs in added noise, enviromental degradation, and decreased property values would be far too great.
Property Values: Studies (not opinions or urban myths) have shown that airport expansions decrease the value of properties near the expanding airport. Currently, some members of the city coucil believe house values are subjective and therefore the Longmont airport master plan will not include an analysis of impact to house values. (Click LINKS tab to connect to these studies.)
Farm Community Investment: County residents, many of them farmers, who spend most of their time outdoors, will bear the brunt of the increased noise. Many have lived here for decades, some farms pre-date the airport, and have invested years of work in a piece of land. They are unable to vote in city elections yet are directly impacted by city officials decisions, especially in this case.
Dubious Airport Safety Claims: Some proponents want the Longmont airport expanded for safety reasons. If the current airport were unsafe in any way, it would not be certified by the FAA nor would it be insured. A longer runway will not eliminate pilot error or mechanical failure. Expansion proponents say the FAA favors and expanded runway for safety reasons. The FAA says there is no safety problem at Vance Brand and it has not taken a position on the expansion. More air traffic carrying heavier fuel loads does not increase safety for people on the ground.
Current Airport Traffic: The Longmont airport experiences an average of 274 FLIGHTS PER DAY!! Do we need more? Other nearby airports that have expanded to attract businesses are located near major highways, not in residential areas adjacent to recreational and natural areas.
Maintain Recreation and Wildlife: NW Boulder County and Hygiene are popular recreational areas for bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Airport expansion threatens the recreational and wildlife value of the area, including Pella and Golden Ponds. Expanding Vance Brand Airport and further industrializing western Longmont would seriously disturb wildlife, especially large nesting birds. Over the last two years, a photographer has documented 60+ species of birds and 10+ species of mammals on Zwecks Farm on Airport Rd.
The Facts?: Expansion proponents have yet to present specific details or hard evidence of the economic benefits to the people of Longmont. Any benefits of an airport expansion would be realized by too few. The Mayor and Council would do better to consider the quality of life for people who live here, than to rush to accommodate those who would fly in and out for an occassional meeting. The City of Boulder consistently attracts new businesses. The top reasons CEO's cite are the natural beauty of the area, and biking and hiking trails - NOT an airport that accomodates their jets.