Public Commentary
Babylon Town Supervisor asks Republic to be a good neighbor

The following is a copy of a letter sent to Michael Geiger, Republic Airport's Director by Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone

It is extremely disappointing that Republic Airport is considering moving forward with additional hangar projects despite the objections of the Town of Babylon and the surrounding community due to Republic Airport's failure to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and adopt a Master Plan.

Over the last two (2) years, Republic Airport has purchased 11.3 acres of property adjoining Republic airport and approved the construction of two (2) hangars and an addition to an existing hangar, said

construction totaling approximately 127,000 square feet and covering approximately 10 acres of land. Additionally, Republic Airport is considering additional hangar development projects.

Incredibly, Republic Airport's position in pending litigation with the Town of Babylon is that it has no long term plan and is going to "continue to improve the Airport on a project by basis." This ad hoc approach to development at the Airport is unacceptable to the Town of Babylon and harmful to the residents impacted by this decision. The community has a right to expect that the Airport is being developed pursuant to a well thought out, long term plan, rather than on a project by project basis without any consideration given to the cumulative environmental impacts such development will have.

Unbelievably, the reason given by Republic Airport for not conducting an Environmental Impact Statement and completing the Master Plan Update and proceeding with development on a project by project basis is that the town of Babylon has "alternately challenged DOT's master planning efforts, or faulted the agency for not advancing the process." How can a government agency refuse to undertake long term planning for something as important as Republic Airport merely because another municipality or some of its residents raise important issues during the legally required public comment period?

Once again, the Town of Babylon implores Republic Airport to make a commitment to stop further development until it finalizes the Master Plan Update, prepares an Environmental Impact Statement, has public hearings relating thereto and accepts public input. Otherwise the Town will have no choice but to continue to challenge any further development proposed at the Airport.

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