The company that wants to bring commercial passenger flights to Lawrenceville’s Briscoe Field has asked the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to postpone Tuesday’s decision on the proposal and let voters decide the issue.
Propeller Investments managing director Brett Smith on Monday also urged Gwinnett to allow him to release his full plans before deciding whether to approve or reject them. He said commissioners shouldn’t vote in the wake of last week’s resignation by Commissioner Shirley Lasseter – a key potential supporter of Propeller’s plans.
Smith said a vote by a short-handed commission would “subvert the democratic process and deny representation to more than 200,000 Gwinnett County residents (in Lasseter’s district).”
Smith may not get his wish. A staff report released Friday recommends the commission reject Propeller’s proposal.
Commissioner John Heard, who opposes the company’s plans for the airport, which is in his district, said he will push for a vote Tuesday.
No matter what happens, the Briscoe Field debate appears headed toward a dramatic conclusion after years of acrimony.
The airport currently serves corporate jets and other small aircraft seating up to 19 people. In 2009 Propeller proposed beginning commercial passenger service to New York, Chicago and other cities on jets seating up to 140 people.
County officials have never endorsed those plans. But they sought and received preliminary Federal Aviation Administration approval to sell or lease the airport. And Propeller is the only firm that responded when Gwinnett solicited proposals from companies interested in operating Briscoe Field.
Supporters say passenger service would create jobs and provide an alternative to Harstfield-Jackson International Airport. Opponents – especially those living near the airport – say noise and other problems would hurt their property values.
Commissioners have been split on the issue. Along with Lasseter, Commissioners Mike Beaudreau and Lynette Howard have said they have an open mind on commercial flights. Heard and Chairwoman Charlotte Nash oppose them.
Lasseter resigned last week after pleading guilty to a federal bribery charge. With Lasseter gone, the commission is at best split 2-2 on Briscoe Field. And it’s unclear whether Propeller would get any votes.
“It takes three votes to pass anything,” Nash said. “And unless Commissioner Heard or I change our stance on things – I do not believe that’s likely – there’s not a way for there to be three votes for it.”
Smith said county voters should decide the issue in a referendum. He noted commissioners postponed action on the airport after then-Chairman Charles Bannister resigned in 2010 to avoid a perjury charge, and he thinks they should postpone the matter again.
He also urged commissioners to release his full proposal before a vote. Citing county purchasing policies, Gwinnett officials have declined to release it and barred Smith from releasing it.
Jim Regan of Citizens for a Better Gwinnett, which opposes commercial flights, called Smith’s press conference “an admission that they know they’re going to lose.” He urged commissioners to reject the proposal.
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