The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland Tennessee (TN) and Bradley County Tennessee (Tn).





Of Bradley County Tn.


MARCH  2005

                            The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland and Bradley County Tn.

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New Airport Could Cost $19 Million
Engineers proposal to rebuild Hardwick Field will cost $19.2 million

by Pete Edwards

A standing room only crowd attended a February 25th meeting to hear proposals for

expanding Hardwick Field and to discover how it would effect noise levels and property values of those living close by, did not seem to be convinced by the explanations given them. Engineers contracted to do a feasibility study for improving Cleveland's existing airport to meet safety concerns and to lengthen the runway to accommodate business jet aircraft, made a presentation of their recommendations to the recently formed Cleveland Municipal Airport Authority in the city council room.

Mark Paslick, of HMB Professional Engineers Inc. offered five alternatives and two modifications with costs ranging from 19.2 to $28.1 million. The recommended alternative was a modification of a

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$27.5 million project which includes building a new 5,000 foot runway and taxiway, and improving airport facilities. Although no funding source has been identified, this alternative would cost $19.2 million and also require the condemnation of six properties needed to expand the site but would not close the existing airport during construction.

Lynn DeVault, Chairwoman of the Airport Authority opened the meeting with music playing at 65 decibels a level she said was comparable to the noise generated by a light business jet at 78 decibels.

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A video presentation conducted by Randal Wiedermann of Wiedermann and Associates, featuring interviews with local residents seemed to cause offense to many in attendance. It was felt that the interviews made those taking part appear like idiots not understanding what an airport was, or its impact locally. One of those that did give an educated and positive opinion was recognized by one of those present as being connected to the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce, although she did not identify herself as such. The Chamber of Commerce has been vocal in its support for the new aviation facility.

Many in the crowd lived or owned properties close to the airfield and were concerned at the expansion's impact on quality of life and property values. One resident said that all he is being told are the positives but for him to make an informed decision he needed to

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What Do You Think?
SURVEY

Do you think the building of a larger Cleveland Municipal Airport with a longer runway on the Hardwick Field site is a good idea?

The proposed runway and safety zone outline for a new airport at the Hardwick Field location.

know of the negative impacts as well. Also addressing the Authority members was a professional pilot, who contended that some of the assumptions made by HMB were incorrect. He said that runway length requirements are not the same for all categories of the same jet aircraft and 5,000 feet was not sufficient for chartered planes.

Many in attendance felt that the noise level factor was being underplayed, insisting that jets already flying over their property were causing a noise nuisance. They said that they are willing to accept the present level of inconvenience because they knew of the proximity of Hardwick Field when they purchased their homes but an expanded facility would increase the nuisance and danger levels.

DeVault, said that in her opinion, the alternative being presented was the only viable option left to the Airport Authority as the possibility of building in the county had been thwarted by the county commission and a new law banning condemnation in the county for a municipal airport

The People News
PO Box 3921
Cleveland TN. 37320
(423) 559-2150  Fax 559-1044

Editor-Publisher, Pete Edwards
Copyright 2005 (All rights reserved)