A proposal to rezone about 40 acres of land near Deer Park Airport in Deer Park, Wash., could pose a threat to the airport's viability, AOPA says. The city of Deer Park is considering rezoning the land around the airport from "light industrial" to "diversified commercial." In a letter to the city's director of community services, AOPA explained that residential development less than one mile from an airport can lead to noise complaints from neighbors, limited access to the airport, increased risk or injury to those on the ground, and even airport closure. AOPA recommended that the city follow guidelines established by the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division and keep the land zoned as "light industrial."
August 24, 2007