Airport development less important than revenue source

After reading through the Swanson Field airspace plan, the airport layout plan, and the airport master plan on the state Department of Transportation web site, I really don't see how the Eatonville Town Council can consider approving the proposed development of Airport Heights "as is.GÇ¥-á It goes against the Swanson Field Airport Management Plan (AMP), and what's more it doesn't look like the town has moved at all to implement any of the recommendations made in the AMP (since 2009) regarding the development of Swanson Field for aviation purposes.-áDespite what the developer stated at the last council meeting regarding his concern for Eatonville's welfare, it's not too tough to figure out his bottom line is his motivation as opposed to any philanthropic tendencies he might claim. Plain and simple, what's happening with the Airport Heights development is incompatible land-use as defined by the state and airport encroachment by legal definition. It's also a short-sighted plan to increase Eatonville's revenues as opposed to bringing long-term revenue and employment opportunities to Eatonville by developing Swanson Field for aviation purposes.-áConstruction of the current development was unapproved and not inspected; if the mayor and council approve the development of Airport Heights on what currently exists there now, then we're governing our town on the principal that it's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. I personally don't think that's any way to run a government, and I'd also like to see a significant long-term source of revenue for Eatonville established through aviation business development at the airport so that we can put our annual budget debates over how to fund our public safety departments, etc., to rest.-áOne more housing development isn't going to help Eatonville realize that vision. Bob Thomas Eatonville

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