Lincoln Journal
May 24, 2001

Peace in area may soon disappear

To the editor:

Massport hopes to sign contracts with four new airlines on June 21st, adding
36 operations. Shuttle America continues to fly 22 operations and is
resuming 12 to LaGuardia, for a combined total of 70 operations daily.

Some citizens have expressed their self interest by flying with Shuttle
America and those messages have been received loud and clear. I would ask
them to consider the grave consequences of their actions. The
characteristics of Lincoln which might have attracted them here will be
changed forever and Hanscom Airfield will resemble Westchester Airport (1
million passengers per year).

Lincoln is not a consumable. Many people have worked very hard to create the
kind of town most people say they want: conservation land, respect for our
agricultural and historical heritage, diversity. When we vote with our
pocketbooks we must consider all of the ramifications, including the effect
on our neighbors who truly do not want a change in the character of this
town.

Is it fair that a few people and a few businesses can so profoundly and
permanently alter our landscape? The ultimate cost of this personal
convenience is more smaller, noisy planes with hourly flights to all
destinations. I would like to see some of the business leaders in this area
take charge of technology instead of letting it rule us all. That means
setting priorities that include our children's health, the quality of life
and respect for the birthplace of democracy. The bottom line includes all
these things and it is deceptive accounting practice to pretend that it does
not.

Massport is committed to building a market at Hanscom for noisy commercial
air service and corporate jets. There are no limits to the number and type
of airplanes (727's, 737's) that can be flown there.

We have never had a regional transportation plan which would sensibly
disperse traffic among all the modes, including railways. We live with the
shame of the largest monument to the automobile ever built; the Big Dig. No
more quick fixes. This is our watch. We are responsible for what happens
here. What steps will you take to protect what you value?

Two nonprofit organizations need your participation:

ShhAir
P.O. Box 441
Concord, MA 01742
(781) 674-9755
www.shhair.org

Save Our Heritage
57 Main St.
Concord, MA 01742
978-369-6662
www.saveourheritage.com

Contact them. Ask what you can do. What happens next is up to you.

Thank you,

Nancy Henderson, Lincoln


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