Importance
of the Master Plan and Role for Citizens and Community Groups
This article explains in concise terms what the Master
Plan process is about, its history at our local airport, and why citizens
should become involved in the process.
Regarding National Aviation Noise Policy - in 1990
Congressman James
Oberstar said, “I think it is clear most airports…just growed
like topsy. And they do. They just sort of developed.”
Unfortunately, that statement applied to our PDK when
the runway was extended, when our County Commissioners would not adopt airport
policy to protect our community from airport growth that impacted us and
may lead to scheduled passenger service (Hartsfield North), and topsy will
continue to guide our airport unless we require our elected officials to
ensure residential areas are considered in the development of the new Master
Plan for PDK. Developing a real
partnership with PDK is a novel idea but it is one we must ensure in order
to protect our investments in DeKalb County and to protect our quality of life.
The strategic airport issues PDK Watch addressed for
years boil down to growth with its adverse consequences on our communities
and a Board of Commissioners which adopts policy for everything but our airport. Unfortunately, once
more, citizens had to revert to the courts to address the issues our County
would not address on behalf of the its citizens. This would not have
been necessary if our interests had been considered as PDK changed with no
oversight from our elected officials.
What is the PDK Master Plan?
The Federal Aviation Administration says “the airport master plan
is the planners concept of the long-term development of an airport. It
displays the concept graphically and reports the data and logic upon which
the plan is based. Master plans are prepared to support the modernization
of existing airports and creation of new airports, regardless of size, complexity,
or role.”
The key issue is how the word modernization will be defined for the PDK
plan.
Why is the PDK Master Plan an important process for my community?
Unlike previous Master Plans, the current Board of
Commissioners has required public participation in all aspects of the planning
process. This is
a recognition that communities affected by airport operations have a stake
in this effort. The Board provided the opportunity for us to be involved
in a meaningful manner, it is up to us to become involved. If we have
a vision for our airports future, we can become effectively involved.
Who pays for our PDK Master Plan and for how much?
The Federal Aviation Administration pays about $500,000,
the State of Georgia aviation
unit usually pays 5% and PDK pays 5%. These are all airport focused units
of government. They historically disregard any comments from citizens. They
all favor airport growth to accommodate future increases in use. Historically,
they have not cared about the communities affected by airport operations.
There were two previous PDK Master Plans. What happened as a result?
The planned activity in both plans was essentially
accomplished and most often with federal and state funds. The Master
Plan does direct airport growth and change. It will continue to do so unless
our elected officials ensure our quality of life is protected from more growth
and noise and pollution.
Does the PDK Master Plan have any policy or
regulatory status?
We understood and believed it was the basis for future
growth and change at PDK. We understood and believed it was a statement of DeKalb County
policy relative to airport growth. Because of recent PDK events, we are
not certain. On four occassions, we asked our Congresslady to find out
what the real status of the Master Plans is relative to the FAA. We have
had no response to date.
Is there a way for my community to become involved in the PDK Master
Plan development?
This is being defined, but consultants engaged to accomplish
the Board of Commissioners direction to involve citizens seem to take the
charge for public participation seriously. This does not seem to be
the feeling of the Airport Advisory Board.
Do citizens in my community have to understand
the airport and aviation business to become involved in the PDK Master
Plan?
No. You just have to be prepared to present your
desires and follow the planning process to ensure these views are fairly
considered in all phases of the planning process.
Did the absence of a good Master Plan have any effect on the current
legal case?
Absolutely. If the County had used the planning process to identify
problems associated with change at PDK and developed policy elements,
just as it uses the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, we would all know what was
coming and the potential impact of these events. Thus, rational personal
and community decisions could be made to protect our investments and quality
of life.
