Backers and foes of commercial passenger service at Gwinnett County’s airport will have a chance to make their case at a public hearing next week under a plan unveiled by the Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
Commissioners delayed acting on a proposal that would have ruled out expanded passenger service at Briscoe Field as they consider whether to sell or lease the airport. Instead, they announced a public hearing tentatively set for 7 p.m. April 28.
The hearing would set up a May 3 commission vote that could determine whether Briscoe someday becomes an alternative to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
“There’s obviously some strong feelings,” said Chairwoman Charlotte Nash, presiding at her first meeting. “We want to make sure we provide a good setting in which to talk about this in a reasonable fashion.”
Gwinnett County has been discussing selling or leasing Briscoe Field near Lawrenceville for more than a year. Last spring the Federal Aviation Administration gave preliminary approval to the idea of privatizing the airport, which serves corporate jets and other small aircraft.
Three firms have expressed interest in running the airport. At least one wants to add commercial passenger service with jets seating up to 140 people.
Commissioners have repeatedly said they have not decided whether to privatize the airport or allow large commercial flights. But the prospect of such flights has sparked intense debate in recent months.
Supporters say they would create jobs and provide a northside alternative to Hartsfield-Jackson. Opponents fear noise and declining property values.
Now commissioners are debating how to proceed. The next step would be for the county to request specific proposals from one or more of the interested firms.
But opponents want commissioners to rule out ticketed commercial flights before the idea goes any further. Commissioner John Heard's resolution would do just that.
Commissioners on Tuesday postponed action on that motion until May 3, after the public hearing April 28. The location of the hearing has not been set.
Heard and Nash favor ruling out an expansion of commercial flights. The other three commissioners have said they don’t want to rule out any option until they have more information.
All agreed a public hearing is warranted.
“However we move forward on this item, it’s going to have a major impact on Gwinnett County for many, many years to come,” Heard said.
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