Building a residential area less than a half-mile from the end of a runway and almost directly under the approach/departure path is hazardous, causes noise complaints, and is bad public policy. That's why AOPA is asking the City of Fort Myers, Florida, to reject a proposal to build a residential development 2,300 feet from the end of Page Field's Runway 5/23 and look for an alternative that is more compatible.
Noise complaints could become an issue if the proposal is approved because the development would be located near the flight path of Page Field, which has more than 94,000 operations per year.
AOPA suggested that the city require sound attenuation construction, written real estate disclosure notices, and "avigation" easements if it decides to move forward with the development. The association also stressed the importance of working with the Florida Department of Transportation Aviation Office to comply with applicable state regulations.
January 13, 2006