The prospect of commercial air service into Briscoe Field drew about 200 people to a Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday night, with most urging the commission to reject the idea.
Though commissioners took no action, they got an earful during a public comment period from residents concerned about noise, property values and other problems they fear could result if Gwinnett allows a private firm to launch scheduled passenger flights at the county airport near Lawrenceville.
“We will fight it,” said Rex Walker of Lawrenceville, who threatened a lawsuit if the commission approves commercial flights. “This is personal to us.”
They also heard from some who say the airport could boost the economy and serve as a convenient alternative to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
“My students want jobs,” said Harley Jones, a college professor from Dacula.
Opponents and proponents of commercial flights have been expressing such concerns for nearly two years. But as the county nears a decision on the fate of Briscoe Field, both sides have stepped up campaigns to influence the commission.
In January opponents launched an online petition that has collected more than 1,500 signatures. And Tuesday’s commission meeting drew one of the biggest crowds to date to comment on the airport’s fate.
Gwinnett officials have discussed leasing Briscoe Field to a private firm since 2009. Though other firms had previously expressed interest, New York-based Propeller Investments recently submitted the only response when Gwinnett solicited formal proposals from firms interested in operating the airport.
Propeller has not made the specifics of its proposal public, but it has waged a long campaign to bring commercial passenger service to Briscoe Field.
The airport currently serves corporate jets and other small aircraft seating up to 19 passengers. Propeller wants to provide service to New York, Chicago, Miami and other cities on jets seating up to 140 passengers.
Proponents say commercial flights would create jobs, boost Gwinnett’s economy and provide an alternative to Hartsfield-Jackson. Opponents say such flights would adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods and could leave Gwinnett taxpayers on the hook if the private venture fails.
Both sides have inundated commissioners with emails and other correspondence. And opponents have used the public comment periods of commission meetings to make their case.
Gwinnett officials are still reviewing Propeller’s proposal. A majority of commissioners say they remain undecided but want to study the options before making a decision.
In the meantime, a citizen panel is debating the issue and is expected to make recommendations on the airport’s fate next month.
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