SNOHOMISH – Beth Jarvis didn’t recognize most of the people who filled the small church in Snohomish on Saturday.
That’s a good thing, she said. It means the group of people who oppose the proposed expansion of Harvey Field is growing.
More than 90 opponents of the proposed expansion met to discuss their concerns about the airport’s future ambitions. Area residents and farmers have formed a grass-roots group, called Stewards of the Land &Community.
“We need to continue to grow this group if we’re going to succeed,” Jarvis said.
At an Oct. 3 Snohomish City Council meeting, about 20 people voiced opposition to the proposal.
Kandace Harvey, the airport’s owner, hopes to double the airport’s hangar space and stretch a runway beyond its current boundaries over the next 20 years, according to the proposed master plan of the 148-acre airport south of Snohomish.
Opponents say that the airport’s expansion would lower their property values, create safety concerns and worsen noise problems and flood hazards in the area.
Harvey said she wants to meet with opponents.
“I’d like to listen to their concerns,” she said Thursday.
The airport’s master plan is still developing, Harvey said. She is not sure what concerns people have about the expansion and where they are getting their information.
“I feel there’s been a lack of communication,” she said.
The airport is in a designated flood plain and in the city of Snohomish’s urban growth area.
Current regulations on construction in a flood plain prohibit Harvey Field from expanding.
Snohomish County is considering changing flood maps and development rules near the airport. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency approves the changes, property owners including Harvey could add buildings. The changes would loosen the rules for buildings and how much they may block flowing floodwaters.
On Saturday, Ken Crane, 67, said he’s worried other developers may build in the area if the airport is allowed to expand.
“It seems everyone else will get the same opportunity,” said Crane, who lives west of Snohomish. “It would destroy the whole farm valley.”
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
