[ranger23]

I am just doing an unscientific poll on the airport.

[Gone]

62 views and only 16 votes?

[QTee]

I voted!!!!!

[chemmie]

Is the proposed airport going to be county funded?

If so, I vote NO.

If is is going to be a private venture that the county is donating land and possibly some funding for, I say YES.

[mrsbhavn]

I'd have to agree with Chemmie, therefore, it's not a yes or a no. It a 'depends'.

[BGR853]

I have enough trouble with air traffic from Cobb hedge hopping and the bi-wing plane doing loops over my horse farm. I vote "no".

[antraveous]

From past posts that I have read, the airport is being mostly funded by the Federal Gov't. If this is the case and if the airport spurs more economic development in this county then I would vote 'YES'.

[THE GRADUATE]

95% of the airport will be funded by the Federal Government, the other 5% percent will be covered by the state and through the raising of private funds.

[She_Dreams_in_Digital]

Many factors play into consideration for deciding to build an
airport in Paulding, but I believe when all are weighed, the
best answer is YES, Paulding needs an airport.

Paulding is really growing, but unfortunately the planning
and zoning commission keeps approving the wrong mix
of developments. For the most part, most of Paulding's
growth is residential single family homes, followed by retail/
commercial. This mix isn't helping to generate JOBS inside the
county borders and it's weakening the tax base.

Studies surrounding similar airports built in similar counties
have shown that an airport of the scope of McCollum airfield
would draw in a lot of light industrial, and commercial developments
(this means a stronger tax base) not to mention that it's construction
and operation would create appx. 3000 jobs inside the county.

It's clear to me that Paulding really needs an airport in order
to help move it's status forward in the years ahead. The airport
would be a key belweather of Paulding's growing population. US Hwy 278
is more than capable of handling the traffic from the airport. In fact, that
was it's original purpose. Years ago, a second "Hartsfield" airport was
proposed in Bartow or Cartersville to handle all of the cargo traffic from
Hartsfield and relieve congestion there. Effectively making Hartsfield a
passenger only airport. US Hwy 278 was developed to become an
artery for these trucks hauling the air-freight cargo back into Atlanta.

Hopefully, we will have an airport constructed by 2010 and that
it will be positioned along US Hwy 278 north of Dallas. As far as funding
goes, it's my understanding that 90% of the cost would be federally funded,
with the state picking up 5%. That just leaves us with 5% to fund from the
county....

Does anyone disagree or agree with my logic? let me know I'm interested in
hearing some other thoughts. Especially WHY some are opposed to it..

[THE GRADUATE]

S_D_I_D:
This is by far not the first discussion we've had about the airport. We've had many and you can probably get most of the reasons why people oppose or support it here. Including some comments from Jerry Shearin the county commissioner.
Here are the threads:
Commissioner casts dissenting vote on airport plan, March 9 Commission Meeting
Paulding Airport, Location
Commissioners meet and approve Airport Study, Seven Hills project tabled indefinitely
VIDEO: Airport presentation at chamber forum, Complete First Thursday Forum coverage
General Aviation Airport subject of January Forum, Chamber to hear about recent progress
Paulding County Airport, horizon section of AJC Thursday
airport again
What's this about an airport I hear in the AJC?, Will we be able to Vote (it down?)

[chemmie]

95% of the airport will be funded by the Federal Government, the other 5% percent will be covered by the state and through the raising of private funds.

Oh boy! Even better!

Glad to know my parents in Maryland are helping to pay for our airport down here. Wonder who's airport we are paying for... or sewers or roads or....

[The Texan]

Has there been a feasibility study done on the proposed airport? If so when will it be released to the public? ( The feasibility study on the chairman's proposed and defeated civic center was extremely hard to come by.) What is the timetable for break- even and for profitibility? What kind of misc. expenses the county will have to bear that are un-budgeted? ie: Like sending Blake Swafford, Director of Paulding County DOT, to California recently for an airport mgmt. course, and the day to day operating costs until profitibility?!

[tech]

Before anyone votes yes on the airport let us ask this question. Would you still be for the airport if it would be built within a half-mile of your house? If you were in the flight path? If it would directly affect you? If you answered no to any of these questions, but would be for an airport if it were not close to or affect your residence then you must be a commissioner.

We should have a referendum on this one folks.

[rocketeer]

I agree a referendum is in order. This is beginning to sound like a country club deal for the rich.

[Chairman]

tech,
I find that remark offensive. First of all, you need to show me someone who lives within a half mile of the proposed airport. The sites seem to be a long way from any reidences. Secondly, I have seen no empirical data to suggest that airports such as this negatively impact surrounding residences. In-fact, if they are well-done they will enhance surrounding property values. There are examples right here in Ga, where high end developments were built adjacent to airfields.

rocketeer,
Your suggestion that this is for the wealthy is way off base. We are getting deluged with requests for info on the airport by Corporate interests who want to be near such a facility. Everyone shouts for more industry, more jobs, lower residential property taxes and then when we have an opportunity to do something that will do all that, we get that good ol' class warfare argument.

So far the process has been very open and no one can say it has NOT been above board. There is still a long way to go. LETS NOT START A BUNCH OF NAME CALLING.

Jerry S

[haztech]

I dont know about being for the rich, but I really fail to see any economic niche this could present for the county. I work near the second busiest airport in Georgia. I on occassion have to deal with the managment of the airport, they constantly run close to breaking even. It is not a big money maker. Hartsfield would lose money if it were not for the secondary revenue that refreshments and gift shops bring in along with parking. So before we build it lets have a break down of how it will make money, who it will make it from, and how long it will take to get there. In other words lets see your buisness plan.

[THE GRADUATE]

I think the economic impacts will come largely from the business that grow near and around the airport. This is the same logic that was used in Pooler when the state tried to bring the automobile plant there. They were giving such large tax breaks to the company that they wouldnt make much off of the plants sole existence, but would reap huge rewards off of all the other business like that are needed for the plant to exists. The same logic is here.

Also from what I understand there is supposed to be alot of hangar/cargo space that would be available for rent. And apparently there is a lack of this in the metro area, thus renting this out will feed right into the demand.

[The Texan]

Mr. Chairman, In light of openess perhaps you would be so kind as to answer the questions I asked earlier, did you find those offensive as well?

[thatboyaintright]

This is not to blast anyone, but all of the questions about the airport have been gone over countless times on here (GSU gave the links).

There are no homes within half-a-mile of the 278 site (that I know of).

It won't cost the county a penny to build.

The business it can bring will help the tax base. (And, yes, there are people/business who will use it, not to mention the related businesses that will grow around it).

This is not a class-warfare issue of "rich" people getting the benefit. This means jobs for people.

And to be honest, most folks don't understand the issue at all. We're not talkin' about a 2nd Atlanta airport here; this is a small proposition, not intended for 757 planes.

And don't get me started on the "rich" as the tax code punishes productivity.

[chemmie]

Damn the rich an all of their money!!!


Who cares if they are the ones creating the jobs for the one's complaining.

[haztech]

In regards to the hangar cargo space. I thought that part of the plan was NO CARGO PLANES. Like I said earlier, Who is asking for this space? Who has an interest in it? Why can't you name them? No matter where you put an airport, it will have a negative impact on someone. All I was asking is if it was you that were going to be impacted, would you still be in favor of it. Most of us would say no, if we answered honestly.

[typefast34]

Ok, I have kept quiet for too long about this. Do we need an airport in Paulding? NO, NO, and NO!

Everyone on p.com is discussing gangs, drugs, and violence in the county. If we have an airport in Paulding, that is us begging for more gangs, drugs, and violence. With gang members comes drugs. With drugs comes gang members. And with both, comes violence.

This is PAULDING County. Have any of you ever lived around an airport? Well, I have. It is terrible. The noise is awful and there are a lot of shady characters around that area.

Paulding County does not need an airport!

[thatboyaintright]

There will be no cargo. That doesn't mean there won't be hangers for the planes.

Aren't the gangs/drugs already here before there is an airport?

Paulding needs a job base & an industrial base if it is to keep up with needed revenue to support an expanding population. That cannot be done without building the structures needed to support that. Otherwise, the taxes on homes will go even higher.

Yes, we need an airport. Like all growth problems, it is something that must be dealt with on a logical basis & not emotions. Would I want it in my backyard? Maybe. Maybe not. But that is just part of being in any growing area. If I didn't like it, I'd move & use the land for other purposes. That is called capitalism & it is foundational to our gov't system.

[dsp3]

I think people need to understand this is not Hartsfield Jr. This is an airport similar to McColum in Kennesaw. I work right across 41 from McColum can't say I've seen any "Blight".

We need something to spur industrial/business growth in the county. An airport could do the trick. Taxes on homes alone can't do all we need.

Plus I really rather not fight traffic into Kennesaw everyday. I'd love to work in PC.

[THE GRADUATE]

Dsp3, TBAR,
Thank you, I almost had a heart attack after reading some of the post in this thread. And Im going to turn 22 next month.

[Chairman]

Texan
I don't agree with your premise that the feasibility study was hard to come by on the CC. We were very concerned about land speculators and realtors snatching up property around the thing and making it impossible to succeed by crowding it with houses. The goal was to make the thing an economic engine for the immediate area. (You aren't one or the other of these are you??). But it certainly was available. I saw a black and white copy in the hands of more than one "citizen".
But as far as the feasibility study for the airport goes, it is available right now. I know there are several citizens who have seen it. There is also an ALP (airport layout plan) being designed right now, an environmental assesment being done, and a consultant is presently getting the rest of the data you requested about the economics and its costs/benefits to the taxpayers.
There will be a Public Hearing this summer as required by law to accept the first grant that we have gotten for 1 million dollars. At that meeting there will be all the info you have asked for and more. But, if you want to see the present feasibility study, just call DOT.
Jerry

[kncook50]

YES for an airport. Paulding County needs to "catch up" with metro Atlanta (as much as some people refuse to believe we are a part of it) and get on the same economic plane. Gang activity is related to decaying community standards, NOT an airport of all things! You used that to try to push your agenda of not wanting "all the trees cut down and replaced by smoke stacks and concrete" which can't be farther from the truth. WE NEED IT, THIS COUNTY HAS BEEN AN ECONOMIC LAUGHING STOCK FOR FAR TOO LONG. Sorry if this sounds insensitive but the people not wanting change need to move to Polk or Haralson because you can't hide you can only run, it is going to happen no matter what.

[rocketeer]

Lets go over this. I make a living in business, by manufacturing goods(plastics). I live in Paulding, own 2 aircraft one a trainer single engine prop plane out of McCollum Field the other is a 6 passenger Leer built in 1984 based out of PDK. The proposed airport is not big enough for shipping my products, or my business aircraft only my trainer, which I only keep as a momento. I am against the proposed airport, not because of being against any airport only one that does not seem to be a fit.

Look at the airports around us, all undergo expansion, and with the expansion goes court battles. I just get the feeling this one will end up the same way. So, I would propose, if in fact the airport's location is truly remote, enlarge it now so as it could truly be of economic impact. Run Prop Cargo planes and land charter Jets (like mine) after all what is another 1,000 ft on a runway, I'm not talking about 727's or C5A's.

McCollum already lands small jets, Fulton Co. Already moves Cargo (INTERSTATE prox). We would need a draw. I also feel that the lack of adequate roadways will hinder any significant job creation. Here is alist of local airports that have an industry base close by:

McCollum Field: Close to I-75 less than 2 miles, did not begin true growth in the area until Town Center was completed.

Charlie Brown: Close to I-20 and I-285 enough said

Brisco Field: Practically on 316 and Ga 20 8 minutes from I-85

PDK: less than 2miles from I-285 and 4 miles from Clairmont and I-85

Proposed paulding airport: at least 10 miles to any interstate by 2 lane road. If using 278 it is about a 40 to 60 minute ride to I-20, at least an hour anyway you go to I-75.

Cartersville airport: no growth but 15 to 30 min ride to I-75 all by two lane roads. Through downtown Cartersville or through Emerson.

Yes 47 million is generated by McCollum, but how much was Generated Prior to 1986? You cannot begin to think a new airport way out here would generate those types of numbers. I used to live in Kennesaw, so I know what I am saying when I say it was almost a ghost town there till the mall got there.

As far as federal grant money goes, and I am not sure about this one, but once you buy or build something with a federal grant, it is your responsibilty to maintain, repair, and replace it. i.e. if we build it we won't be able to close it without the feds permission, so the tax payers will be on the hook. So, if we build it, do it big enough to really draw in some buisness, build a limited access hwy to the county lines and help the county or counties it would have to run through continue it to the interstate.

[oldpatriot]

I agree with rocketeer on the travel time. on a typical morning (weekday) at 8am, it is almost an hour to get from the hospital to I-20 on thorton rd. I have not traveled down 120 in a year or so, but the last time I did at 8am it was over an hour to 75 and longer if you hit MHS traffic. Last time I checked, the proposed airport was NO jets, and NO cargo planes. Mr. Publisher, sounds like its not even built yet and all the pro-airport people are already trying to push for Jets and Cargo craft.

[Frolicks16]

Don't really see the need in one. County would be better off buying the land and building a race track or ATV rec area. The government should only spend money on something like that if everyone can afford to use the facilities. Look at the money they make at seven flags, lanier, and Dixie. We should build one a little bigger and nicer, also add a motorcross track and hold AMA events. This would boost tourism (all of it, not just MX). Racing is a growing in popularity, and a nice facility would be a great draw.

[westside]

It seems that we as tax payers would have to foot part of the bill for this airport. Chairman Shearin went to Washington to gain funding for this on tax payer dollars, when the people have already voted no in an election. Why? Recently I asked the Chairman regarding the airport and he would not even talk to me about it. Is this they way an elected official should respond? I was "shot down" without another word.

[Frolicks16]

it was probalbly an non binding referendum. So, the only binding vote we can have is coming up, by electing a new board and chairman. But who knows how all the candidates stand? Think I will start my first thread.

[denete]

(humor)
Why not build a ramp at the end of the runway, and use arresting gear at the other. Then you'd have your short runway with large plane abilities...plus you could run your ATV over the ramp.
(/humor)

Give me a break guys.

How is creating more jobs going to help Paulding?

Will it reduce the population?

Will it slow the seemingly unbridled growth?

Or will it just allow the county to hire enough police, firefighters, and teachers to STILL be behind the growth curve?

Maybe the money will allow the county to build schools that are far too small? Maybe allow Paulding to be dependant on other counties for their water supply? Maybe you should think about the cost to the county as it relates to this project. If the Federal government pays for 95%, that is great. But who pays for the new jail? Who pays for the new schools? Who pays for the new County Police Department (which really should exist already...behind the times again)? Who pays for water and waste upgrades and expansion? Who pays for county positions that are created to support the airport? All of these items are without regard for any profitability of the facility. They will be costs in the future no matter whether the airport profits the county or not.

Building an airport isn't a solution to anything...apart from the current lack of an airport.

If you want transportation dollars in the county, get a senator to put Paulding in the way of an Interstate construction project. The successful meduim-sized airports mostly seem to be near a Federal highway. I guess Hwy316 is a misfit (except that it empties into I-85 in what seems like less than 10 miles).


This whole thing seems a lot like Americans sending food to "starving countries". If you cannot feed your current population, why would you increase the number of mouths that need to be fed?

[darwin]

Chairman,

Is it true that there is more interest in building this airport than there is in widening Hwy. 92?

[thatboyaintright]

as Mr Chairman said last night, the citizens of Paulding did not vote "no" to an airport in the past. The vote taken previously was whether or not taxpayers would fund an airport. So right off the bat there is some very bad, e.g., false info, being said about the airport.

The biggest reason we need an airpot is very simple: we need to bring in businesses & the added tax revenue. Without that added tax revenue, property taxes will have to be increased in the future just to pay the bills for the existing infrastructures, even with zero additional growth. Paulding must have more revenue coming into the coffers because the costs of running a county go up overtime, not down. So even with zero additional homes being built, the tax burden is going to grow astronomically in a short time.

Yes, an airport may add more costs to Paulding in services as well. However, more businesses mean more in the tax base to cover that. It is just that simple.

I agree we do need a major road, but there are no more interstates being built right now. But, Paulding did have the opportunity for I-20 or even I-75 at one point & the powers in the county at that time pitched such a hissy fit that Paulding was axed from consideration.

Funny: the same folks in Dallas City who didn't want 278 expanded through Dallas now complain that Dallas is dead. I've heard it with my own ears. Hmmm.

We cannot stop the growth. We cannot tell landowners not to sell their land for development. We cannot revert to being Mayberry anymore.

Resistance is futile.

[oldpatriot]

You are all splitting hairs when talking about the vote on the airport. If a vote were to be taken today on building an airport it would still lose, no matter whose money that is spent to build it. Why do you think they (commissioners, and the elite people that want it) do not want it brought up for a vote? simpe it will lose. Second, I will ask what businesses are lying in wait for an airport before they come in? We all hear they are there, but who are they? Look at Athens regional airport, they have industry already there, a college, and it is still in danger of shutting down since they lost federal funding.

Our commissioners say they are republicans and conservative, lets act like it and not spend money just because it is there to spend. Lead by example. I have seen some good alternatives to an airport on this site not just on this thread. Before land is purchased with tax payer money, to build something that will impact the enviroment so profoundly, the citizens of the county should have the final word on whether it happens or not. That is just an old paulding resident talking, but can anyone say why we should not have the opportunity to vote this up or down? Would the Commission Chairman, or any of the commissioners like to disagree that we should have the right to vote on this?

Does anyone know how to start a petition to stop the airport before it gets started? If so send me a message on here, lets not wait and let it sneak up on us.

[denete]

Regarding the vote...

Do a little research via the Internet (one of the few times I reference searching the Internet due to the crapola out there) on something called the Delphi Principle.

You might be suprised that the vote will mean very little when decisions are made.