The City Council of Longmont has approved a proposal to implement landing fees at Vance Brand Airport, despite significant opposition from local pilots and the Airport Advisory Board. The Board, which voted in favor of not imposing fees with a margin of seven to one, expressed frustration at the Council’s decision to prioritize the concerns of new residents over established advisory opinions.
During a recent council meeting, emotions ran high as pilots passionately voiced their concerns regarding the proposed fees. Many argued that the introduction of landing fees would place an undue financial burden on the aviation community, particularly flight schools that frequently utilize the airport. Several pilots were visibly upset, pleading with council members to reconsider the proposal.
In response to the controversy, some community members have suggested potential compromises. Ideas include restricting touch-and-go operations on ozone alert days, transitioning to unleaded fuel, altering flight routes to reduce noise pollution near homes and schools, and requiring improved mufflers on aircraft. These proposals aim to address community concerns while still allowing the airport to remain operational.
A notable point raised by critics of the council’s decision is the lack of transparency regarding the city’s organizational structure. One resident noted that no comprehensive organizational chart is available online, with the exception of public safety, leading to questions about how decisions are made and who is accountable. They emphasized that the decision to impose landing fees is not solely the council’s but reflects the city manager’s preferences, which they believe lack public involvement.
Supporters of the landing fee proposal, however, have commended the City Council for moving forward despite pushback from a small segment of the population, which they claim constitutes less than 1% of Longmont’s residents. These supporters argue that the fees could help manage the volume of traffic from flight schools, which they believe contributes to excessive noise and disruption in the community.
In addition to the airport discussion, residents have raised other pressing issues, including concerns about traffic safety in Mead. Observers have noted that local drivers often disregard stop signs and fail to use turn signals, raising worries about the safety of children traveling to school.
Water resource management has also emerged as a critical topic during the election cycle, with candidates being urged to address how Longmont will sustain its growing population without depleting water supplies.
As discussions continue, it remains clear that the City Council’s decision regarding landing fees at Vance Brand Airport will have lasting implications for the local aviation community and the residents of Longmont.
