Massive Expansion at Hanscom Launched

Did you know that Massport has launched a massive expansion program for Hanscom? (Here is a Boston Globe article on the subject -- they have an active comment page... why not add your own thoughts there, too?)
 
There are initiatives on at least four fronts which put together would result in doubling the hangar space for corporate jets, expanding the capacity of the short runway for landing larger planes, and demolishing historic Hangar 24.
 

1. "Infrastructure upgrades" and expansion of the currently unused East Ramp, resulting in 400,000 square feet of hangar space (equivalent to a building housing about 8 football fields).
2. Demolishing historic Hangar 24 to make way for a huge new FBO (jet servicing facility) and above ground fuel tank.
3. Clearing 410 trees on 6.1 acres of the Bedford Town Forest to facilitate increased aviation traffic and larger planes on the short runway.
4. Using $10 million of "shovel-ready" federal stimulus funds, (distributed through the FAA) for taxiway upgrades and infrastructure improvements for corporate jets.

Our communities and elected officials have long called for no expansion of infrastructure at Hanscom, to keep this an airport in balance with its sensitive historic setting. Our residents and communities are engaged in actions to reduce carbon emissions causing climate change.
 
For Massport to embark on a huge expansion of this airport for corporate jets, -- the most polluting form of travel there is -- while trying their best to shut out public awareness and input, is though by many to be unacceptable.
 
If you agree, you can contact the Governor and your Congressman to protest the above actions that will expand air traffic at Hanscom.
 
Urge them to support an immediate moratorium on any further expansion at Hanscom until such time that Massport, the surrounding Towns, and our legislators can agree on a common vision for an environmentally sustainable Hanscom.
 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
 
Governor Deval Patrick
Office of the Governor
Mass. State House, Room 360
Boston MA 02133
Tel:  617-725-4005 or 888-870-7770
Fax: 617-727-9725
Email:  Click here, go to bottom of page, and submit your comment
 
Congressman John Tierney (Bedford)
17 Peabody Square, Peabody, MA 01960
Tel: 978-531-1669
Fax: 978-531-1996
Email: Click here, go to bottom of page, and submit your comment
 
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (Concord)
PO Box 1454, Lowell MA 01853
Tel: 978-458-6454 or 978-459-0101
Email: ntsongas@nikitsongas.com
 
Congressman Edward Markey (Lexington & Lincoln)
5 High St., Medford, MA 02155
781-396-2900 (Medford office) or 508-875-2900 (Framingham office)
Email: Click here, go to bottom of page, and submit your comment --
 
If you'd like to thank our State Senators and Representative for speaking up on our behalf on these issues in their letters to the Governor and the FAA -- as well as publicly in today's Boston Globe article:
 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
 
State Senator Susan Fargo (Bedford, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln)
State House, Room 504, Boston, MA 02133
Tel: 617-722-1572
Email: Susan.Fargo@state.ma.us
 
State Representative Cory Atkins (Concord)
State House, Room 472
Boston, MA 02133
Tel: 617-722-2013
Email: Rep.CoryAtkins@hou.state.ma.us
 
State Representative Jay Kaufman (Lexington)
State House, Room 156, Boston, MA 02133
Tel: 617-722-2240
Email: Rep.JayKaufman@hou.state.ma.us
 
 
State Representative Thomas Conroy (Lincoln)
State House, Room 443
Boston, MA 02133
Tel: 617-722-2460
Fax: 617-722-2353
Email: Rep.ThomasConroy@hou.state.ma.us
 
Note: State Sen. Donnelly & Rep. Stanley also signed letters to the FAA & the Governor.
Rep. Charles Murphy did not sign onto these letters.