« More NIMBYism in Gwinnett »

The Buzz has been quiet of late.  As I have discussed I have not had time to maintain the site.  The Buzz is not dead, as I am considering the future of the site and a potential relaunch.  However, when I saw an article come across Twitter this morning from the Gwinnett Daily Post regarding opposition voiced to commercial aviation at Briscoe Field during last night's commission meeting, I had to comment.

Reading the article, it appears that NIMBYism is alive and well in Gwinnett. If you live right near the airport, I can see where you have a legitimate concern about noise, congestion, etc.  These concerns absolutely need to be considered as these homeowners/landowevers were there first and have property rights that could significantly be impaired by bringing commercial aviation to Gwinnett.  However, when someone who does not live near the airport - I see "No Airport Expansion" signs in yards not even close to Briscoe - is complaining using the standard questionable claims of "crime, noise, traffic, etc." it simply smacks of NIMBYism.  I am a nearly lifelong Gwinnett resident and I am avid supporter of bringing commercial airlines to Briscoe. What an asset that could be to our county!  The ability to be able to fly out of Lawrenceville without the near 50-mile, hour-plus drive to Hartsfield is very attractive (well assuming that I can fly on Delta! ;) ).  Atlanta is one of the largest cities in the country.  Many similar-sized cities have more than one commercial airport within their metro area.  Gwinnett could stand to benefit significantly by meeting potential demand for a north-side airport, realistically with minimal negative impact to our community.

The article noted that some residents were distrustful of the Gwinnett County Commission after the socialized garbage fiasco - understandably so!  But, to compare airport expansion to the garbage situation is a bit of a leap. The garbage plan forced me to engage in a specific business arrangement and limited my economic freedom. How does airport expansion/privatization do this?  You may not like change at Briscoe Field and that is your privilege, but aside from those who live nearby, what action or choice does the airport force upon you or what freedom does it limit?  Few it any from what I can tell at this point.  If anything, it expands economic opportunity and freedom of choice.  This is completely opposite of the case of socialized garbage. If airport opponents can outline material, negative impacts to Gwinnett at large, they should be heard and those points should weigh against airport expansion.  However, if their arguments are weak and rooted in little more than dislike of change in Gwinnett, the commission should not let such opposition be the deathknell of this opportunity.  The voice of the residents should factor into the consideration, but opposition based on mere dislike of a proposal should not be overweighted in the decision making process.  As such, I am disappointed in Gwinnett Commission District 4 candidate John Heard who seems to have already decided against airport expansion even at this early stage.  Has he fairly considered this proposal or is he, like most politicians, pandering votes?  Either is distasteful and disappointing.

This is likely to be an ongoing issue in Gwinnett for some time.  Hopefully, all angles will be given fair examination.  Also, hopefully, supporters of this proposal will be vocal as well so that the commission does not get the impression that residents are only opposed to commercial aviation in Gwinnett.  I must admit, this issue holds great interest for me and greatly encourages me to revamp the Buzz so I can be in a position to comment on the upcoming saga of Briscoe Field.

Comments

[menstraveler]

Hey there-

I know that you're probably incredibly busy with the day job like some of us, but I would love to see more content coming in here. This site is an excellent idea.

I have mixed feelings on the airport expansion. It would be great if we could fly out of Lawrenceville which could relieve the pressure on Hartsfield-Jackson. After all, look at the other major markets/hubs like Chicago and New York. Atlanta is a player in this region and a second airport is much-needed.

I wonder if those of us in Norcross/Peachtree Corners would be in this airport's flight path.