Panel: Copter plan is complete

2/3/06

Citizens group still opposes hangar site

A State Police helicopter unit cleared the first hurdle last night in securing a permanent spot at a Bedminster airport despite a slate of attorneys who argued against the plan.

Somerset Airport owner Daniel Walker's application before the township planning board to convert hangar space for the Northstar Medevac helicopter crew was deemed complete in a unanimous vote by seven board members who heard the proposal.

The panel is now expected to begin hearing details of the plan at the March 2 meeting. "It's a challenge all the way, but we're up to it, and we'll continue on, moving forward," said William G. Mennen IV, one of Walker's attorneys.

Mennen and an assistant attorney faced six lawyers representing objectors, including publishing magnate Steve Forbes who lives adjacent to the airport, and a tri-town citizens group.

The Bedminster, Bridgewater, Branchburg Concerned Citizens Coalition has led the fight against Walker's application with four lawsuits against him and Bedminster.

The group has complained that the State Police medical rescue helicopter has ruined the rural nature of Bedminster with pollution and noise, and reduced property values since relocating from University Hospital in Newark to the township a year ago.

The citizens group also has claimed Somerset Airport is being primed to become a full-fledged State Police facility.

Attorney Alan Harwick, head of the citizens group, was successful last month in delaying the board's "completeness" review when he noticed Walker's application did not include a complete airport master plan, as required by township ordinance.

Walker has since submitted the plan, a long-range document of existing facilities and planned improvements for the airport.

Harwick, during the board's meeting at Town Hall last night, tried to question the accuracy of the plan. Christopher H. Fales, an airport engineer, was grilled for more than an hour, mostly by Harwick.

But Fales argued the plan and supporting documents were the most recent approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, and received the board's support for clearing Walker's application.

Chairman Paul Henderson moved to declare the application complete, and was backed by board members Don Cross, Anthony Franzonia, Mary Callahan, Kimberly Hatch, David Weiss and Charles Eader.

Zaheer Jan, Mayor Bob Holtaway's substitute on the board, recused himself from the airport application.

Jan announced at the start of the meeting that he would not be sitting in on airport matters, as Holtaway has done, because he runs a glider business at the airport. The mayor has been criticized by objectors for allegedly lobbying for Walker's interests.

Walker was expected to return before the board to beat the Feb. 28 expiration of a permit that allows the helicopter's crew to operate from a trailer at the airport. But Walker's lawyers, instead, will need more time to address concerns from the township environmental commission.

A written response concerning water quality, natural habitats, noise and tree removal must be filed with the township at least 10 days before the planning board begins hearing Walker's application.

The likelihood of a lengthy approval process leaves in question where the helicopter unit will go after the permit's expiration. The township committee granted a one-time permit extension last year.

Terrence Hoben, air medical coordinator for the helicopter, said Walker may seek another permit extension.

The planning board's review also may be delayed by questions over whether it has jurisdiction to hear Walker's application.

Attorney Louis Rago, representing Bedminster residents David King and Phoebe Wesley, said last night that Walker's converted hangar plan exceeds the maximum floor area allowed by township ordinance.

If so, the application may need to go before the township board of adjustment for a variance, Rago said.

Last night's vote to certify Walker's application complete drew applause of relief from some in the audience of 60 people.

"This wasn't the right place to ask the kinds of questions we have," said Holly Ford, a Bridgewater resident.

"It was a bit tough to sit through," said Pam Walker, the airport owner's daughter, who smiled after the board's favorable vote.

Ralph R. Ortega may be reached at rortega@starledger.com or (908) 429-9925.

By Ralk Ortega
Star-Ledger Staff