To the editor:
In response to the Hamer, Fredericks and Fasteau lawsuit pertaining to the Great Barrington Airport:
My name is Liz Shaker Inglis. I am a veterinary specialist. I grew up in the area. In 1991, my husband Alan and I returned to GB where we’ve lived and worked since.
I am also an aviation student at the GB airport. And I can tell you, the GB airport is a very, very special place and I am very disturbed by the recent lawsuit brought by the abutters.
I can speak first-hand of the airport owners’ sensitivity regarding neighbors’ concerns, noise, traffic patterns, pollution — did you know that the GB airport is one of only two small airports in New England to use unleaded fuel? — and the lengths they go to to be considerate of their neighbors. There is nothing untoward, mean or insidious about their operation.
I have to wonder about the abutters. Build near an airport, live near an airport — you can expect noise. And what can they possibly complain about in remodeling an existing building with the same footprint? Are they hoping that if the airport is not kept up, they can claim it to be run down and therefore shut it down? Like some of what these same people did in Easthampton, N.Y.? Or try to shut it down on a zoning technicality? I don’t want to see that happen.
We shouldn’t even be having this discussion. The airport should be able to maintain its buildings, update its equipment, and be a model — which it already is.
What I want is for people to realize what a local asset the airport is. The people there are all community minded — the airport raises money for the food bank and Kiwanis, and they have school programs (Berkshire School) and scholarship money for kids. It’s got one of the best reputations around for avionics and mechanics. And Rick Solan, the principal owner, is just about the nicest guy on earth and will go to just about any length to help the next guy out (weren’t he and Paula Poundstone the greatest thing to happen to Fairview Hospital since the acquisition of the 3D ultrasound machine?).
What’s in it for you? I think any local person can point to the airport and say “that’s my airport.” I can bring my kids over and watch the planes. I can bring a picnic. I can chat with someone who just stopped by because they saw the helicopter taking people to Albany Med from Fairview. Or talk with a pilot who just happened by because, hey, it’s an airport and I’m drawn to it. And yes, they can listen to the sound of the planes taking off. And landing.
Elizabeth Shaker
Great Barrington
