Regarding Julie Muhlstein’s Feb. 11 column calling for a study of Paine Field for commercial service, it was obvious she was present at the recent community meeting. Surprisingly, none of the oppositions discussed at the meeting were mentioned.
First, Ms. Muhlstein fails to mention the five new schools built in communities directly in the potential flight path since the mediated agreement. Does she believe the so-called economic ‘boon’ due to commercial service could come at no cost to our communities, our children and their schools? While I agree Snohomish County is in tough times with high unemployment, I would love to see facts that a suburban commercial airport generates adequate jobs to offset the negatives.
There was also no mention of studies regarding real estate price drops around sub-urban airports built in the past decade. Take approximately 4,000 new homes built in the flight path since the mediated agreement at a conservative average value around $350,000 and shave off the low-end of the estimated 10-20 percent drop due to a commercial airport. The economic impact amounts to a staggering $140 million. I’m no economist, but that $140 million is just the tip of the iceberg the airport would need to overcome to make economic sense.
One final point not mentioned that folks in surrounding communities should hear. Since Paine Field would be in proximity airspace with SeaTac, planes taking off and landing at Paine would likely be required by the FAA to fly “low and slow” since SeaTac would remain the dominant airspace in the region. If you think since you live in Mill Creek, Edmonds, Lynnwood, or Everett this won’t affect your way of life, think again. I know I don’t want my children’s teacher stopping class 10-15 times a day while a commercial airliner flies directly overhead – do you?
Mukilteo
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
