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Editorial There are always intractable issues that surface when the concerns of business and economy intersect with the concerns of residents and homeowners. That is the classic battle going on between Long Island's Republic Airport and the residential communities that surround it. That does not mean, however, that both cannot coexist, side by side, in an atmosphere of mutual benefit, respect and agreement. We'd like to see that happen. But it won't happen and it cannot happen unless marked changes are made, and the following takes place to begin that process. +Our state and federal officials must assume a leadership role in the process of bringing both sides together. As we have said in this space before, the absence of their voices, and their initiatives in the past have been both confounding and problematic, particularly since Republic Airport is run by a state agency, the New York State Department of Transportation, and operates under federal aviation guidelines. Assuming their roles as elected officials representing the whole of the problem would provide, we believe, a substantial buffer between the two entities, which have become hardened by a sense of hopelessness at reaching any semblance of compromise. Case in point: Republic Airport's decision to throw its hands up and step away from a commitment to complete a Master Plan, which the communities have been asking for more than a decade. +Both sides have to take a deep breath and listen. Republic Airport provides a major economic base for not only Long Island but also the areas of Babylon Town, Huntington and Oyster Bay that surround it. Established in 1969 as a flight training and corporate aircraft center, it provides 450 on-site airport jobs and generates $600,000 in payments in lieu of taxes to Babylon, and $12 million in state and other taxes a year, according to its website. It brings business and corporate interest to the area, both those who want to open their companies here on Long Island and those who want to conduct events here. Residents and taxpayers have to consider that, and understand that Republic provides an insurance policy for the region's- Long island's- economic future. Fear for what "may" happen if and when Republic "expands" cannot fuel opposition in the form of unreasonable dissent nor obstructionism. Case in point: Efforts to fight reasonable safety changes at the airport and to hinder establishment of a Master Plan at the airport. +As the courts continue to resist making a determination on the aircraft limit at the Airport, both sides should come together and negotiate a settlement on that issue. One hammered out in the spirit of mutual benefit is likely to be more productive than one long-awaited court decision. This agreement can include some of the communities most pressing concerns about large planes, and hours of operation as well as the airport's concerns over its ability to provide a safe and viable airport into the 21st century. If some of these initiatives are undertaken, there is no doubt that the biggest obstacle facing any kind of mutual understanding- fear- will be mitigated. If an atmosphere of, if not trust, at least fairness, can be established, it will be a major step toward a beneficial coexistence that will allow Republic and its host communities to soar.
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