"New Hampshire DOT conducts airport purchase/transfer study"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thursday, September 16, 2004

DOT conducts airport purchase/transfer study 
By Rochelle Stewart 
The Portsmouth (NH) Herald
  

NORTH HAMPTON - If the Hampton Airfield was offered to the town of North
Hampton, more likely than not, the town would not accept it. 

That decision was made by the North Hampton Board of Selectmen at the
meeting Monday night in response to questions from the state Department of
Transportation. The DOT is in the process of conducting a study pertaining
to the purchase or transfer of privately owned, open-to-the-public airports.


Although the DOT is conducting this study, Michael Hart, owner of the
Hampton Airfield, said he has no plans for selling. 

"I'm just getting ready to retire, and I'm looking forward to spending more
time (at the airfield)," Hart said. 

According to Barry Lawrence, aviation planner with the DOT, the study is
being conducted because of recently passed statewide legislation, which
requires privately owned public airports to offer the land to the state
first, if opting to sell. 

The legislation, House Bill 812, also requires the DOT to conduct a study on
the purchase or transfer of the land, which is why the questions were
brought before the North Hampton Board of Selectmen. 

Lawrence said all New Hampshire towns with privately-owned airports have
received the letter. 

Lawrence plans to present his findings in the beginning of November. 

The towns with airports are required to answer the following three
questions: 


What are the impacts of the airport on the community? 

If the airport were offered to the town for ownership, do you feel the town
would accept? 

How does the town feel about airport zoning? 
The Board of Selectmen said the town has "a great relationship with Hampton
Airfield." 

"At this time, being under good ownership, we do not have an interest in
owning the field," Selectman Chairman Don Gould said. 

Selectmen also said that the impacts of the airport on the community are
minimal. 

Selectman Emily Creighton addressed the issue of homeland security. 

Police Chief Brian Page said the airfield has a good working relationship
with the Police Department. 

"Everyone knows everyone," he said, adding that Hart has asked the Police
Department for assistance in the past. 

As for the airport-zoning question, selectmen said the North Hampton board
agrees with and will comply with federally regulated zoning standards. 

The selectmen will meet again at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 27, at the Town
Hall.


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