Bedford Minuteman
November 14, 2002

Letter: Accusations are 'over the top'

I would like to set the record straight regarding Neil Rasmussen's Oct. 31 letter. Massport has an obligation to keep the public informed of the facts and should not remain silent while activists use the media to misinform and frighten residents.

The draft Hanscom 2000 Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) represents a responsible environmental analysis of the airport activity one could reasonably expect to see at an airport such as Hanscom. This is most clearly seen in the year 2015 high growth aircraft fleet mix scenario which finds that the single largest category of aviation activity will be general aviation, accounting for 91 percent of the activity.

What has occurred at Hanscom that has not previously been reported on in various environmental reports? Nothing. Going back to the 1978 Master Plan, 1980 Rules and Regulations, the 1988 Generic Environmental Impact Report (GEIR) and the 1995 GEIR Update, Massport has stated very clearly that the primary role of Hanscom is as a general aviation reliever airport. Nearly 25 years of public disclosure and environmental analysis exists for virtually every aspect and use of that airport. Any claim that Massport has not been honest in its dealings or secretive with the local community is absurd.

Being upset about an airport and its related activity is one thing, but to state that a public agency is attempting to "keep communities docile and submissive" is going over the top. Massport and the current laws and regulations provide an extensive, inclusive and exhaustive opportunity for public input, dialogue and comment. There is no need for scare tactics, false statements or insults.

As I have stated previously, there is more than enough to talk about when we stick the facts. Forging as much consensus as possible on a regional approach to transportation should be a shared goal for all of us.

Jose Juves
Director of Media Relations
Massport

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