More information

Karla — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:37:58 -0500

More information here:
http://www.edenprairie.org/vCurrent/live/article.asp?r=2915

And here:
http://www.mspairport.com/relievers/flying_cloud/default.aspx

(Karla Wennerstrom is the editor of the Eden Prairie News. She can be reached at editor@edenprairienews.com.)

Response to Airport

zerotwo — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:55:32 -0500

Response to Airport Misconceptions/Airport Construction Article

MAC and the FCAAC both maintain websites where their answers to a number of questions can be found on a daily basis. There are at least two sides to every question. Most of the misconceptions are in the nuances between the “official” line, resident perception and reality.

What kind of aircraft will land at Flying Cloud after the expansion.

Most people know the purpose of the longer runway is for larger jet aircraft. Even though MAC says on the one hand that these aircraft are relatively quieter by size, by their own calculations in the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement), the airport will be twice as noisy and will require some homes to have noise insulation. So, it's not going to get quieter even though MAC says these aircraft are relatively quieter by size. The type of aircraft is almost irrelevant. It's the projected increase in the number of operations and the increase in the size of the aircraft that will contribute to the increase in noise, as MAC’s own documentation in the EIS attests.

The airport doesn’t contribute to the economic development of the city.

Of course the airport contributes to the economy of the city. A child’s lemonade stand contributes to the economy of the city. The controversy is in how much does it contribute? MAC and FCM claim the airport is an economic dynamo generating millions of dollars for the city. The reality is that Flying Cloud may contribute as much to the city as a very small strip mall. If Flying Clouds economic contribution to the city disappeared tomorrow, the City of Eden Prairie would scarcely notice it.

Residents think noise monitoring and reporting isn’t looked at seriously.

Again, the question really is to what degree? MAC does take the problem seriously – but not seriously enough to change any of their development plans to accommodate residents. The problem is the curfew and restrictions are voluntary. MAC refuses to divulge which users are violating the curfew because they are afraid the light of public scrutiny will create a hostile environment for those violators. As long as offenders can remain anonymous – they will continue to offend. As long as the onus for noise reporting is on the residents there will never be a true picture of how many violations of the curfew there actually are. Offenders will continue to get slapped on the hand and residents will continue to be angered which could eventually result in their relocating out of Eden Prairie. The downside is property values will be impacted. MAC and the City are not addressing the impact to property values, preferring to maintain that property values will not be impacted. There is reason to believe that the impact to property values is much greater than any possible economic contribution the airport could ever make to the City of Eden Prairie.

I am disappointed that the

tginmn — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:12:35 -0500

I am disappointed that the airport is being expanded. I live an mile and a half from the end of the two east west runways.

When I moved in I was told that there was a binding agreement with the city and MAC not to expand the airport. I was also told there was restrictions on operations after 11PM. I can tell you we have aircraft landing after midnight on a regular basis.

Flying Cloud Airport construction to start

Karla — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:38:21 -0500

The Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission sets informational meeting June 12

By Karla Wennerstrom

Have you been wondering what is set to be built at Flying Cloud Airport this summer? Are you concerned about the future of the reliever airport?

Eden Prairie News - Flying Cloud Airport construction to start - Comments

More information

Response to Airport

I am disappointed that the

Flying Cloud Airport construction to start