ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.
I urge the Leighton Township Board and Planning Commission to deny a rezoning request to accommodate an air strip near 144th and Kalamazoo Avenues.
My position is very similar to my opposition to legalizing fireworks. I don’t think it’s a good idea to shatter the public peace in order to satisfy the private personal wants of a few.
The Michigan Legislature several years ago made a grievous error in upsetting the public peace in order to allow some boorish and infantile behavior in neighborhoods that perhaps someday soon will result in brawls and mini-riots. In the same manner, an air strip that would serve the hobbies and amusements of a chosen few, but perhaps cause strain on nearby residents, just isn’t fair.
I do not believe residents who move to rural and agricultural areas have a blank check in expecting them to remain pristine and bereft of the pitfalls of urban life. However, every American citizen should be able to expect certain enterprises and behaviors to be regulated so as to keep them away from those who could be harmed by them in some way.
For example, if I move to a quiet, rural neighborhood, I would have a right to keep someone operating a dog kennel from moving in next door. Such noisy businesses should be zoned so they are permitted only in areas that make sense.
An air strip privately owned by 15 residences along its corridors indeed would be desirable to the people living in the 15 homes, but the potential for noise to disturb horses and for fumes, dust and other unwanted conditions for neighbors would outweigh the pleasure of those fortunate enough to be wealthy enough to join the group.
When Sly and the Family Stone sang, “We got to live together,” they weren’t talking about a privileged private group’s wants trumping the rights of its neighbors.
Furthermore, there is an air strip that has existed for a long time just north of Wayland, and it is home to ultralight planes and other small craft. Though the City of Wayland has owned the facility for many years, it would be a good idea for the developers and residents who want an air strip to somehow negotiate use of the Wayland Airport instead. It seems some kind of an agreement could be reached.
I side with Kate and Tom Scheltema, who established a horse farm business long before these plans were made public at a nearby location. Taking away their business or making it difficult for them to survive as they have for years in order to accommodate the amusement of 15 residences along an air strip would be simply unfair.
However, as an aside, the news that this proposed development includes Township Supervisor Steve Deer as a silent partner does not mean he should step down from his office. Virtually all local government officials own businesses or work in some kind or trade that occasionally may be affected by requests or developments. In these cases, they abstain and refrain from having undue influence on the decision making.
For example, it is common for local restaurant owners, bank employees, business owners and others serve on the Wayland City Council. And it is common for these same people to step aside temporarily when an issue affecting them is being decided.
I have no reason to believe the Leighton supervisor is acting in any way inappropriately.
However, I still believe the rezoning to accommodate the air strip should be denied.
Bill Martin has had an air strip on adjoining land for many years and I think it is still there. While it is not where they are wanting to build the houses it’s within quarter mile or so to the west. What these people seem to want is to park their planes right behind their house.
There is another housing development on 84th St. between Byron Center and Zeeland. Wonder if it is a noise problem for neighbors. That could be checked into before any approval or denial.
The Bill Martin airstrip is still active and I will be building a new hangar on it in the near future. That airstrip existed for over 40 years, long before the horse farm and subdivisions existed. It will also continue to have aircraft operating out of it into to future, regardless of the outcome of this proposed airstrip. If people are so concerned about problems from air traffic, they should move. They will have aircraft operating overhead.
I think everyone should take a deep breath and look at the zoning. If it allows such things as an airstrip, then it is up to the township board to investigate, council with legal beagles, and have an open debate in a township meeting to allow public comment. After all the viewpoints are heard, then do your job and vote either for or against the airstrip/housing development plan. From what I can determine, it will front Kalamazoo going west into the Martin owned land and south of Green Lake Stream. It is an ample field to accomodate an airstrip and far enough away from dense housing areas around Green Lake and the housing development further west of the site where the horse farm is located. There is jet aircraft traffic over that area all day – does it bother the horses now? I don’t live in the township but can see both sides of the issue. Ultimately, it is down to the township board vote. I get a kick out of all the people leaving GR and Wyoming to live out here… when I ask why they moved; it’s so quiet and peaceful out here. Oh really, it is a hell of a lot more populated than when I was young, more traffic, more noise, more of everything people say they don’t want.
Couldn’t agree more. Residents in the immediate area of the proposed development also live in the flight path of Gerald Ford Airport and have indicated that the noise from approaching and departing jet traffic – although miles away from the airport – create much more noise that a few small propeller driven planes.
If hot shot pilots didn’t buzz horses maybe the residents would have more faith…..Just sayin……….
When individuals build a horse farm at the end of an existing runway, their horses will be “buzzed” by pilots just taking off. Common sense. Just sayin.
John, why would any pilot buzz horses anyway? Any low approach executed on an uncontrolled or private airfield is to check for deer or the condition of a runway. Please, though, elighten me some more with your knowledge of general aviation.
You rarely hear the big commercial planes flying over but smaller planes you do because they are usually flying much lower. Although the air strip is already there. With say 20 more air planes in direct use of the air strip. The use of it will go up. There causing more noise and small planes around the area.