HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05182004 - D.2 D.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Date: May 18, 2004 Public Comment
On this date, the Chair invited those who wished to address the Board during
public comment. The following persons presented testimony.
Dianne Cole, 2420 Toinar Court, Friends of Concord Airport Association, Pinole
regarding the Buchanan Field Airport;
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Hoard to consider:
Friends of Concord Airport Association
A Coalition o,f Business, Pilots and Concerned Citizens
May 12, 2094
Ms. Woodie Woodward
Associate Administrator for Airports
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
RE: Buchanan Field, Concord California
Dear Ms. Woodward,
The residents of Contra Costa County applaud your stand concerning Buchanan Field. As you are
aware, the county board of supervisors, lead by Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier, are interested in
closing and "relocating" Buchanan Field somewhere in central Contra Costa County, in order to
build a sports stadium, shops and housing. The supervisor has suggested the Acme Landfill in
Martinez as a possible replacement location.
The Friends of Concord Airport has been active in opposing these plans From the very begining.
While the Acme Landfill site is the only available property for an airport, it would not constitute an
"equal to or better" facility. Besides being approximately half the size of the Buchanan Field site (322
acres vs. 604 plus acres) there are innumerable problems with attempting to construct a replacement
facility on that site.
Since the county and the developer did not want to determine the viability of the Acme Landfill
location for a replacement airport, the Friends of Concord Airport commissioned a study by the
same engineer who has been involved with this particular facility for over to years. The results are
startling; while technically possible, the cost is staggering and the impacts of construction are
enormous. The new airport would not be "equal to or better" than Buchanan Field.
We are providing a copy for your information and records, as this issue will undoubtedly be
revisited, and we wish that any decision concerning Buchanan Field be based on all the facts.
P.O. Box 30942 Walnut Creek,Ca 94598 Phone 510.758.2325 Fax 510.758.6335
E-mail diannesummers@mindspring.eom Website www.BuchananAirport.eom
Friends of Concord Airport Association
A Coalition of Business, Pilots and Concerned Citizens
page 2
The board of supervisors currently appears to be under the impression that as long as a replacement
airport is constructed, the FAA will approve this project. The supervisors are not addressing the fact
that the major income to operate both Buchanan Airport and Byron Airport comes from businesses
located on Buchanan Airport property; businesses such as Sams Club, Sheraton Hotel, Sport Mart,
Taco Bell, and a golf course amongst many others. The big question is how will the airport sustain
itself in this new location, surrounded by refineries, and no room for any amenities. Up to now,
supervisor DeSaulnier has insisted "it is up to the developer to come up with a plan".
The members of Friends of Concord Airport, request that the FAA prevent Buchanan Field being
used as a political football, and put an end to this folly promptly.
If you should have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel fi ee to contact me at
510.41.7.5121 (cell) or by E-mail diannesummers@mindspring.com.
We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
e-C,
Dianne Lauren Cole
Executive Director, Friends of Concord Airport
Director, Mt. Diablo Pilots Association
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Andrew Richards, FAA
Contra. Costes Board of Supervisors w/o enclosure
Concord City Council w/o enclosure
MrJohn Pfeifer, AOPA
D.L.Cole Chron File 7.5