Election: November 8, 2011
Worthington City Council
Candidates reply to questions concerning OSU Airport expansion submitted by WOOSE
To assist voters in understanding candidates' position on OSU airport noise, proposed additional hangars and an extension of the North runway, WOOSE submitted questions to the candidates. The questions, candidates' replies listed in alphabetical order by length of position sought follow. A brief background on the proposed expansion at OSU Airport follows the Q/A
9 candidates seek your vote for
5 seats on Worthington City Council
WOOSE encourages all residents to vote Tues., November 8, 2011.
Question #1: Please identify what impact positive /negative you believe the OSU Airport and its aircraft operations have on the City of Worthington and its residents.
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: The positive is enabling a few executives to have a northern close-in airport at which to come and go. The negative is increasingly frequent, noisy flyovers.
- Bonnie Michael: I believe the Don Scott Airport is a major asset to this area. This airport provides an opportunity for local businesses to be able to transact business in a very efficient manner. In addition, this airport provides file support services to our local hospitals. Our community is fortunate to have this facility. However, over the past decade or so, there has been a significant increase in airport traffic. Much of this increase has included very noisy jets and aircraft landing and taking off in the evening, night, and early morning hours. This has caused a great deal of disturbance for numerous local residents. In some cases, the increase in airplane traffic has significantly impacted the quality of life for many in the flight path.
- David Norstrom: During the past five years, testimony before City Council has indicated the following. On the positive side some local businesses with aircraft housed at OSU have indicated that their location in Worthington is partially influenced by the access to OSU airport. While no specific information has been provided, OSU Airport has an economic impact on the community. On the negative side, the primary impact is the noise associated with aircraft. The noise affects those very near the airport, but also persons in Old Worthington and in Colonial Hills have expressed concern over the noise. The impact of the noise is a combination of the number of flights and the type of aircraft.
- Douglas Smith: After talking with Worthington residents, airport officials, and reading the reports created by WOOSE and other agents involved in OSU Airport operations, I see no apparent benefit to the City of Worthington. There seems to be a very small number of business people who prefer to fly from OSU Airport instead of Columbus Regional Port Authority airports. As a personal witness to the sight and sound of aircraft operating out of OSU Airport, I believe it is on the precipice of nuisance for the general public, and I can absolutely sympathize with residents who live near the airport, as it is likely to be more than a nuisance. In theory, the airport is supposedly good for the economy, but I have seen no evidence showing that any economic benefit has been had by Worthington.
- Michael Troper: The OSU airport has a positive impact on the City of Worthington by helping promote industry in the Franklin County area. The negative impact would be the excessive noise to the residents.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Joseph Davis: I am aware of little direct economic benefit to Worthington. I am clearly aware that the noise and environmental pollution from the airport has increasingly affected Worthington as the operation of the airport has changed from a mainly education/recreational facility to one with more of a commercial mission.
- Rachael Dorothy: OSU Airport aircraft operations have a positive impact on the City of Worthington and its surrounding communities by meeting the region's demand for training both new pilots and aviation administrators. Negative impacts to Worthington include increased noise pollution of residents within the flight path of loud jet engine or pusher propeller planes.
- Donald Falcoski: I suspect SOME Worthington residents do use the airport recreationally. The airport is not a source of income for the City of Worthington. I don't know of any residents who regularly use the airport for travel. I cannot think of ANY positive impact. The negatives are many: disruption of sleep, interruption of daily life, decreased / decreasing property values. The extension of the runway will place descending jets and high performance aircraft on final approach over the Village Green, Old Worthington, and the residential neighborhoods of Worthington.
- Robert Schmidt: Frankly, I have not seen any evidence that would suggest that the airport has any significant positive impacts on the City of Worthington. It is likely that the airport serves some private individuals who rely on it as a close-by airport for private planes, and it also serves as a convenient location for corporate jets for local businesses, but in general, I have not seen any evidence or studies that suggests the airport as currently configured or under proposed expansion plans confers any significant positive benefits on Worthington. With respect to other impacts on Worthington, as is the case for many types of transportation infrastructure (highways, railroads, airports, etc), there are some costs to the community. The critical question is whether or not the costs, in this case primarily noise, are justified. I think it is important to recognize that the airport has been there for some time, and that current operations at the airport are likely to continue. To the extent possible, therefore, the focus should be on mitigating the impacts to the extent possible when it comes to current operations.
Question #2: What impacts do you believe the proposed addition of hangars for 50 aircraft, development of the North side of the airport and the extension of the North Runway at the OSU Airport will have on the City of Worthington and its residents?
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: Significantly increase air traffic directly over Worthington and increase traffic congestion on Route 161.
- Bonnie Michael: While most of the infrastructure and improvements would take place in Columbus, the impacts of any expansion of the airport facilities or runway, would spill over to Worthington. First, there would be increased pressure to widen State Route 161 to 5 lanes from the city limit to SR 315. Worthington City Council and local residents have consistently opposed widening this street to more than 3 lanes total. If major expansion takes plane, and the roads are not widened, there would be even more traffic congestion and gridlock than there currently is between the airport and SR 315. Second, the proposed expansion of the North Runway would significantly increase jet traffic and noise and disruption over the residences in the flight path as well as the schools and public facilities along this path. In addition, the vibrations could have an impact on Worthington's historical buildings on the Village Green.
- David Norstrom: As indicated in my answer to the first question, there appear to be two impacts of the airport. The expansion of the airport can be expected to have a positive economic impact and a negative impact on increased noise. Increased development can also be expected to impact traffic on Route 161. This may or may not be a major impact, but it is an impact that can be evaluated based on the projected growth in employment and visitors to the airport.
- Douglas Smith: The expansion of 50 hangars and North Runway extension will have a negative impact on Worthington. From what I understand, the course of landing and take-off for the aircraft utilizing the North Runway extension would make their flight path closer to downtown Worthington. This is unacceptable. WOOSE has done a fantastic job working with airport officials to deflect any Northward expansion, and I believe their efforts will continue to make a huge difference.
- Michael Troper: The proposed addition will create additional traffic and noise for the Worthington residents.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Joseph Davis: Some businesses would benefit from the expanded runway in the ability to fly larger jets out of OSU's airport and there is a likely development potential along SR161, but that would have little direct benefit to Worthington. Worthington would directly be impacted if there were an increase in larger commercial traffic by noise and environmental pollutants. As many of the flights approach the airport by flying over Worthington and the prevailing winds would blow small-particulate toward Worthington, I feel we would be disproportionately affected by the expansion unless strong efforts were made to remediate it.
- Rachael Dorothy: Additional hangers at the OSU airport will allow for protection of existing aircraft currently stored outside on site from adverse weather conditions. The development of the North Runway in conjuncture with an increase in air traffic will have an adverse environmental effect for residents and community members within the new flight path.
- Donald Falcoski: The extension of the North runway and the addition of 50 hangars will only exacerbate the problems listed above (in question 1). The residents that are directly impacted by the noise that will be attributed to this runway will not only include those currently effected, but will add many more newly affected residents.
- Robert Schmidt: I have not seen anything to suggest that the proposed expansion will have any positive impacts on Worthington. It is likely, however, that expansion could exacerbate current issues, particularly those associated with night operations and noise.
Question #3: How should these impacts be addressed by the City of Worthington? What should be the City of Worthington's role regarding the addition of hangars, the development of the North side of the airport and the extension of the North Runway, and the ongoing impacts of aircraft noise on Worthington residents?
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: Continue to retain a consultant and continue to have periodic Council meetings designed to keep our residents informed and to continue to keep pressure on OSU to do the right thing.
- Bonnie Michael: Since the development would take place in the City of Columbus limits, Worthington Council members have a limited ability to control what happens. As a Council member, I have, and will continue, to attend public meetings and express our views. The City of Worthington has and should continue, to express its concerns over the impact of possible future expansion. City Council members should also continue to listen and respond to our citizen's who are impacted by the increased airport noise and also make thoughtful appointments to entities having input on the future of the Don Scott Airport, such as the OSU Airport Part 150 Advisory Committee and its subcommittees. In addition, due to the flaws of the prior environmental assessment, the City of Worthington should insist that a new environmental impact study (EIS), environmental assessment (EA) and/or noise study be created to property, and accurately, document the need for the suggested improvements, included a proposed expanded runway. Should there be a final decision that some expansion is needed, I believe that any and all expansion should require a full comprehensive plan that is developed with the input and approval of the Cities of Worthington, Columbus, Dublin, the Northwest Civic Association, WOOSE, MORPC, neighbors and airplane enthusiasts. Such a plan would need to address traffic and airplane noise issues. There needs to be a full understanding that Worthington is committed to keeping SR 161 no wider than 3 lanes wide and development should be limited to avoid unnecessary congestion in this area. Some new hangars should be ok. However, I think 50 new hangars would be too many and could cause more problems for the neighboring communities and neighborhoods (noise, congestions, etc.).
- David Norstrom: City Council has taken the correct role to date. We hired a lawyer to represent the City as the airport studied the impacts of expansion. We have listened to members of WOOSE and other citizens express their views on the airport. We have monitored the activities of the airport and the Part 150 noise study. If the University moves forward with development plans, I would want the City's Economic Development Director to be involved in the process and brief us about what is being planned and the impacts on Worthington.
- Douglas Smith: The City of Worthington should have an active role in facilitating conversations with the City of Columbus, the City of Dublin, OSU Airport, the FAA, and the State of Ohio to ensure Worthington residents are heard. Furthermore, if it comes to it, I believe the City of Worthington should initiate grassroots efforts, media efforts, and legal efforts to safeguard the residents who would be most affected.
- Michael Troper: The city should ensure that the airport is doing everything possible to address residents' concerns.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Joseph Davis: Worthington should continue to push for an acceptable Part 150 study and well as a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study. Additionally, I would suggest that Worthington push for an FAA supported Noise Abatement Program that would hopefully reduce the existing noise impact on Worthington. Until these are done to the satisfaction of the affected residents, I do not feel Worthington should support any expansion plans for the airport.
- Rachael Dorothy: The City of Worthington's role in the development of OSU airport should be to listen to its constituents' concerns, ensure viewpoints are represented, and issues are discussed in an open dialogue during the environmental process, with all parties that have a stake in ensuring the region continues to be a premiere place to live.
- Donald Falcoski: The City of Worthington, including City Council, (the City) should follow through with ALL of the recommendations presented in the Comprehensive plan, including a full Environmental Impact Study, Part 150 Noise Study, and, in my opinion, a single event noise study so the residents can rest assured that they know the impact of the extension from a noise standpoint. If it is proven in these studies, to the satisfaction of all parties involved, that the construction and implementation of the north runway will NOT adversely impact the residents, so be it. The City needs to be very careful to ensure that it fully understands the differences between what is required (per FAA and other regulators) and what the requirements really mean from an actual sound standpoint. We should not settle for the acceptance of minimum requirements. Particular attention needs to be given to the impact of "single events". It is the single events that disturb residents, not the average noise. It's the single event that produced the 9,800 complaints (as of 2009!)submitted by Worthington residents to the noise complaint system. Regarding the addition of hangars and the development of the North Runway, the City needs to work closely with all involved to make sure that they work within their rights to protect the people of Worthington to make sure that our voice and concerns are heard.
- Robert Schmidt: Worthington should participate in the process of reviewing and approving the potential expansion of the airport or in any process related to the sale/redevelopment of the site. The goals of this involvement should be: 1) ensure that the concerns of Worthington are properly considered in the development of the site; 2) ensure the accuracy of any information or data used to make future decisions concerning the airport; and 3) to the maximum extent possible work to ensure that the benefits of the development of the airport are shared by the entire area and the costs are not disproportionately born by any one community such as Worthington.
Question #4: As a Worthington city Council member, what do you see as YOUR role regarding the above?
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: To keep City Council aware of its commitment to the residents of Worthington on this important topic.
- Bonnie Michael: As a Worthington Council Member I see my role to include the following: A. Appointing qualified representatives to any and all commissions making decision on the Don Scott airport, including, but not limited to the OSU Airport Part 150 Advisory Committee and its subcommittees. B. Attend public meetings and express/support the views of the majority of the Worthington Community. C. Keep informed on plans, studies, development proposals and meetings related to the future of Don Scott Airport. D. Ensure that City of Worthington's needs and views are included in any and all studies, master plans, development plans and reports generated by the OSU or the airport staff. Also, we need to keep working to ensure that Worthington is included in meetings involving this facility.
- David Norstrom: City Council's role is to listen to the citizens on this issue and make informed judgments. The next step will be to what the airport does in response to FAA's not accepting the noise study. OSU Airport cannot advance any plans until the noise study has been accepted by the FAA, and they review the plan submitted. When that happens, the City will have an opportunity to submit comments in the Federal Register. I know WOOSE will submit comments as will other members of the community. I see our role as reviewing the data, discussing issues with our lawyer and having a hearing for citizen input. Following that a submission to the Federal docket could be made. At this time, I not prepared to say that we will or will not submit comments. However, I believe comments are appropriate. I have submitted comments to the docket on other issues and know they are evaluated.
- Douglas Smith: As a Councilman, I would help lead the initiatives mentioned above. I would work with WOOSE to best determine a strategy that would be effective. I would directly work with the City of Columbus, the City of Dublin, OSU Airport, the FAA, and the State of Ohio to build collaborations to stop expansion.
- Michael Troper: As a council member, my role is to listen to the concerns of the Worthington residents and to mitigate the noise as much as possible.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Joseph Davis: As stated above, I would like to see a Part 150 noise study that clearly addresses the single noise events above the threshold. Additionally, based on this information, I would push for a Noise Abatement Program to be instituted as OSU airport. I also feel any additional barriers we could erect using effective vegetation to buffer noise and airborne particulate would have a direct, immediate benefit.
- Rachael Dorothy: As Worthington City Council member, I believe my role would be to ensure constituents' concerns are heard and addressed within the environmental process of the OSU airport expansion.
- Donald Falcoski: My role is to make sure that the residents and other City officials involved: Understand the science and reality of measuring sound. Noise issues are complex and easy to "spin". Make sure everyone in Worthington understands the direct correlation between noise pollution and property values. Search for and reach out to those at the OSU Airport that have the ability to stop or redesign the airport expansion. I will search and reach out to those at the Airport that have the ability to stop or redesign the extension. My overall role is to protect the quality of life and the property values of the residents.
- Robert Schmidt: Make sure that the Worthington management team has the direction, support and resources to work toward the goals noted above. This might include active participation in the process, promoting public forums on the project, and approving funding where necessary and proper.
Question #5: Do you believe there is a need for an expanded Corporate Jet Center at OSU Airport? Why or why not? And what impact would an expanded Corporate Jet Center at OSU have on the airports operated by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (Port Columbus, Rickenbacker and Bolton Field)?
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: There is no compelling reason for an extended Corporate Jet Center at OSU Airport as I believe it has been shown the other airports have sufficient capacity for additional corporate jet traffic.
- Bonnie Michael: I do not believe that there is a need for an additional runway or corporate jet center at the Don Scott airport for the following reasons: A). OSU's primary purpose at Don Scott is aviation education. The former OSU Dean of the College of Engineering admitted at a Worthington City Council meeting that none of the students are being trained in flying jets. Hence, there is no educational purpose for such an expansion. Port Columbus is actually closer to OSU than Don Scott Airport. If jet experience is needed for OSU students, it would make sense for students to go to Port Columbus B). There has not been an outcry from local businesses to council members to expand either the runway or hangars. C) There has not been documented need for the proposed runway expansion. I believe that OSU Don Scott Airport is looking at how to increase revenue from the private sector at the expense of neighborhood tranquility, preservation of historic buildings, and quality of life for area residents. D) Port Columbus, Rickenbacker, Bolton Field and Delaware airport all have the additional capacity for increased jet traffic, so there is no need to expand the Don Scott runway(s) or setup a Corporate Jet Center.
- David Norstrom: This question cannot easily be answered. I am not aware of the demand for a corporate jet center. However, with a capitalist approach to this issue, if there is a need, I would see competition to meet the need. It could easily be the Port Authority versus OSU Airport. Clearly, some businesses have chosen to use OSU airport as their home airport, while others use airports under the Port Authority control. I'm not familiar enough with the issues. If a corporate jet center would mean added employment and jobs in Worthington, this factor would need to be weighed against increased noise in the community. I understand the newer generations of jets are quieter and flight patterns in and out of the airport (dictated by FAA at Port Columbus) also are factors. I'm sure there are other factors that would need to be examined. From a City Council perspective my goal is to make sure we can get the facts and understand the assumptions that are used in any discussion.
- Douglas Smith: As far as I can tell, there is no need for expanded Corporate Jet Center at OSU Airport. I had a meeting with Elaine Roberts, President of Columbus Regional Port Authority regarding this topic. It seemed she was disappointed to hear that OSU Airport was still considering this Corporate Jet expansion. I believe that the Port Authority does an excellent job with corporate jet operations. Why else would NetJets headquarter out of CMH? I can imagine Dublin and OSU might benefit from the expansion, but I find it very hard to believe that Worthington would benefit from it. Furthermore, there is less travel time from the center of Worthington to CMH than there is to OSU Airport. As Councilman, I will promote Worthington as a business-friendly community in order to attract new businesses to Worthington. Within this promotion will be the fact that CMH is nearby with corporate jet availability and commercial flights. There is no reason to promote OSU Airport.
- Michael Troper: I do not have enough information from both parties to address this issue thoroughly.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Joseph Davis: I understand that from the perspective of OSU airport, the hangar space and increased traffic would be beneficial to them, but I have not seen evidence that there is a direct need for an expanded Corporate Jet Center that could not be serviced equally as well elsewhere without the negative impact. In checking other regional airports, it appears they are already operating at below ideal capacity and this additional inventory could possibly have a negative impact on vulnerable operations in the region.
- Rachael Dorothy: I believe OSU airport meets the region's training needs for new pilots and aviation administrators. I believe the Columbus Regional Airport Authority's expansion of Rickenbacker airport and maintaining air traffic during the recent times is an indicator that CRAA is meeting the region's need for corporate jets.
- Donald Falcoski: I do not know what the market requires in regard to a Corporate Jet Center, so it is not possible to effectively answer this as written. I know that corporate aviation nationwide / worldwide struggles because of fuel costs, the economic downturn, public perception of corporate excess, and environmental concerns. How does the extension affect the educational mission of the airport? I can say that it seems to me that if there is indeed the need for more Corporate Jet Facilities in Central Ohio, there are a lot of other areas that seem to make more sense to build them instead of in the middle of a very densely populated residential area. It seems that if OSU expanded its jet center, the other airports may try to compete by expanding services or offering incentives to retain current clients and lure new clients since it will be a duplication of existing facilities and services.
- Robert Schmidt: I do not know, but it is not something that should be assumed. Before any public investments are made in a transportation project such as the proposed expansion of the airport, these questions must be review and satisfactorily answered.
Question #6: Do you support the retention of special counsel to represent the City of Worthington in future OSU Airport meetings and to provide expert advice to City Council?
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: As I indicated above, I have strongly supported and would continue to support the retention of Special Council to represent the City of Worthington in future OSU Airport meetings and to provide continued expert advice to City Council.
- Bonnie Michael: I strongly support the retention of special legal counsel to represent the City of Worthington. David Zoll has, in the past, and will, in the future, provide excellent education and advice to Council. Since aviation law and working through the FAA regulations is so specific and technical, it behooves the City to have an expert providing insights, advice, and strategies on how to resolve these complicated and controversial issues.
- Douglas Smith: I believe the City of Worthington has a responsibility to protect the rights and property of its residents. If special counsel and experts would help propagate that function, then I would be in favor of retaining the appropriate people.
- Michael Troper: I would support the retention of special counsel if there were a reasonable expectation that the expenditure of taxpayer funds would lead to the city's desired result.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Joseph Davis: Given the current unknown status of the airport, I feel retention of special counsel continues to remain very important for Worthington as this issue progresses. This is a very specialized area of practice and I am not aware that we currently have the needed expertise within the City staff / administration.
- Rachael Dorothy: I believe the City of Worthington needs to ensure its constituents are represented by special counsel when plans are being explored for development that may affect their quality of life on a case by case basis.
- Donald Falcoski: Since this is an issue that residents are very concerned about - according to the 2009 Community Satisfaction Survey-I support retaining special counsel.
- Robert Schmidt: I cannot make a commitment one way or the other on this point at this time. The appointment of special counsel will depend on a number of factors, including whether, given the specifics of the situation, special counsel would assist Worthington in protecting its rights in the process. Unfortunately, Worthington has limited resources for this type of issue, and the application of those resources must be weighed against other projects or issues that would by necessity not receive the attention they may need. I remain open to the possibility that the City may need to appoint special counsel, but at this point, I am not in a position to make a commitment to do so
Additional Comments:
Candidates seeking full term position- 3 positions to be filled
- Robert Chosy: I know some might interpret this comment as pandering for votes but I'll take that chance. I very much admire and appreciate the dedication, knowledge and time consuming hard work of the members of WOOSE, especially its leadership.
- David Norstrom: As stated in the background section provided with these questions, 1) any decisions going forward will involve more public involvement and 2) City does not have power to compel either OSU or the FAA to implement noise abatement procedures or other mitigation, but can use efforts to influence decision makers. From what I've seen to date, the Airport has been a factor in decisions that businesses have made. We do not know how much of a factor. Airplane noise is a problem. There are mitigation measures, but they may not be sufficient to offset any increases in airport traffic. When the issue again comes before us, I will seek to have as much information available as possible and make a decision based on that information.
- Douglas Smith: Thank you for organizing such an active and concerned group of residents. It speaks to the type of people who reside in Worthington. Keep up the good work.
Candidates seeking unexpired term-2 positions to be filled
- Rachael Dorothy: I would be happy to attend any event you may have scheduled to be able to meet with WOOSE and discuss your concerns and viewpoints regarding the OSU airport expansion.
- Robert Schmidt: Thanks for the time you took to explain this issue to me and your commitment to the process. Active participation by concerned individuals is one of the things that makes it an honor to serve as a council member.
Background information on the OSU Airport situation as of August 2011:
The OSU Airport stated its intent to add hangars and extend a runway in the spring of 2003. The City of Worthington retained legal counsel and experts. In June, 2003, on the advice of counsel, the City of Worthington requested that the OSU Airport perform a Part 150 Noise Study (Part 150) to document the impact of existing and future airport operations.
After years of pressure by WOOSE and the City of Worthington representatives, OSU finally agreed to perform those studies with financial support by the FAA. The studies were completed and showed that currently there are insufficient noise impacts to reach the level (65 DNL) that the federal government requires for noise mitigation. Even though the study failed to show impacts over the 65 DNL metric, OSU agreed to analyze other options for noise mitigation.
OSU submitted the Part 150 and a Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) to the FAA for review and approval.
Earlier this year, the FAA determined information submitted in the NCP was incomplete, inaccurate and dated. The FAA determined it was unable to begin the next step, a 180-day review, and was unwilling to pay for additional study to address the problems.
OSU Airport Director Doug Hammon wrote the FAA assuring the information provided was complete and correct. WOOSE wrote the FAA supporting the findings of the FAA as well as the importance of using complete, accurate and up-to-date data in all studies and reports. As of August 28, 2011, the FAA had not responded to the WOOSE letter.
The City of Worthington does not have power to compel either OSU or the FAA to implement noise abatement procedures or other mitigation, but can use efforts to influence decision makers. In the event that OSU decides to proceed to extend the North Runway, there will be another wave of hearings and reports under the environmental laws, including either an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment.
