News - Local/State

Wednesday, Oct. 08, 2008

York County Council OKs rules for controversial airport district

York County leaders held up their end of a controversial bargain to establish tighter zoning rules around the local airport.

The County Council on Monday night unanimously approved changes that brought the county’s regulations in line with a so-called “overlay district” already given initial approval by the city.

The new rules aim to protect land around the airport, where local officials are pursuing a 1,000-foot runway extension in hopes of luring more corporate jet traffic.

Neighbors view the rules as a major step toward a bigger airport — and the disruptions that would come with it.

Federal dollars are more readily available to airports where land restrictions have been imposed. But neighbors fear more noise and lower property values.

During Monday night’s meeting, leaders acknowledged that some people won’t be pleased with their decision.

“There’s been some real effort on both the city and the county to try to come to some type of resolution where it’s a win-win for everybody,” said County Councilman Tom Smith, though he said the move wouldn’t be viewed as such by “those that live around the airport.”

“But this needs to be done,” he said.

Councilman Curwood Chappell echoed Smith’s sentiments.

“We’re gonna live up to our commitment to the airport and its expansion,” he said. “We’re not trying to abuse anybody or take advantage of anybody, but the airport is very important.”

Leaders did admit making some mistakes, specifically by not tightening the zoning rules sooner and by failing to notify enough people of the proposed changes.

“We dropped the ball,” said County Council Chairman Buddy Motz. “And because of that, I think we have a better ordinance now than we did when we first came up with it.”

An outcry from neighbors prompted city and county leaders to hold eight public workshops, where they received feedback about the proposed changes.

Opponents made some progress during the summer, when officials agreed to drop a controversial noise disclosure form that had sparked anger from homeowners who feared it would scare off potential buyers.

Despite that victory, those battling the airport expansion aren’t satisfied with the council’s decision.

Many plan to voice their opposition at a public hearing scheduled for later this month, said Scott Ball, a Rock Hill resident and a prominent spokesman in opposing proposed changes at the airport.

Ball thinks the county will pass the ordinance, regardless of what neighbors say. But he said the group isn’t backing down.

“Our voice has to be heard,” he said. “The purpose of this is, one, to get on the record for the future. And two, to make it known that if they even try to seek money for expansion we will fight this further. This is not going to go down without a fight.”

Leaders must vote on the changes two more times before they become permanent. A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20.

The Rock Hill City Council is expected to take the second of two votes at its regular meeting on Monday.

Charles D. Perry • 329-4068