Claim -- 1,600 helicopter takeoffs/landings per year, and increasing.

Mr. Hoben stated there were only 473 flights in the previous year. However, State Police-documented logs/records for August and September 2005 show flights exceeding 1,700 per year, with more Homeland Security and general police flights than Medevac (which were only 3 out of every 10 missions). This is why the logs are titled "NJ State Police Aircraft Assignment Detail Report(s)." The helicopters are police units, not dedicated air ambulances. Presenting this under the cloak of Medevac was misrepresentation.

Claim -- Huge increase in noise and overflights, 108 decibels of noise 24/7 documented.

The personnel at the airport wear hearing protection because the duel 1,800-horsepower turbines are so loud. The Airport Master Plan shows on Page 7-2:

-- 50 decibels = residential area in a small town or quiet suburban area;

-- 80 decibels = city noise (downtown of major metropolitan area);

-- 88 decibels = third-floor apartment in a major city next to a freeway.

Are these 11,700-pound vehicles, operating 24/7, keeping with our Town Master Plan to maintain rural ambiance?

Claim -- Approximately 50-employee business to be located in our rural/residential community (relocated from the heart of Newark's commercial district). The application to the Planning Board states that there will be 24 employees per day. It is common business practice to take the daily employment and add 60 percent for seven-day coverage (this yields 38 employees currently).

Colonel Fuentes stated in Air Beat magazine, Sept./Oct., 2004, "Obviously, there will be a strong need for more pilots, in addition to the new helicopters and accessories." How long will it be before we have a 50-person business in our rural, residential community?

Claim -- Septic systems close to rivers, streams, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas, receiving blood and other medical waste.

I am offended that Mr. Hoben self-servingly changed the word "receiving" to "dumping" in his public comments. I am not the only person who foresaw this concern. During the Board of Health meeting for expansion of the airport's septic system (which Mr. Walker claimed they would never need), a practicing physician said, "I don't like -- medically -- the way our health department handled this. Where are these people going to wash their hands when they touch blood?" -- Star Ledger, Nov. 18, 2005.

Claim -- Reduced property values.

If you live within a mile or two of the airport, give it time. This will be your investment in Mr. Walker's business expansion. Those residents living in other areas will also be affected because the decreased tax base in one area will have to be made up by the other residents, which will negatively impact all home values.

Claim -- Noise pollution, air pollution, further pressure for development in environmentally sensitive areas.

Noise pollution is obvious. Air pollution -- both the Somerset County and Bridgewater boards of health have responded to complains of neighbors' homes filling with jet fumes from the helicopters. Just wait -- development will happen. This area is already well-served by multiple, dedicated air ambulances, which fly in a greater range of weather conditions. We are well within their 10-minute response circle. There is no benefit to our residents and neighbors to introduce a quasi-military, State Police operation, with armed personnel performing Homeland Security and police missions, into our residential neighborhood.