Airport to take public comment on its master plan

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The Barnstable Municipal Airport Commissioners will host a public meeting March 3 in Barnstable Town Hall to take comment on their draft master plan for future improvements. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the second floor hearing room.

The proposed plan details construction and improvements anticipated at the airport over the next ten to 12 years. It was prepared at the request of the Barnstable Town Council and is based on a five-year, airport layout plan recently approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The master plan was also assembled to comply with the town’s local, comprehensive plan and the performance standards of the Cape Cod Commission’s Regional Policy Plan.

Airport Commission Chairman Daniel W. Santos said that while the master plan demonstrates a blueprint for the airport’s near future, it is possible that not everything proposed will be undertaken. “This is not a plan to expand the airport but one to upgrade facilities to meet current and future needs as funding becomes available.”

The plan assumes the completion of a new passenger terminal. It also includes construction of a new air traffic control tower, development of general aviation hangars on the airport’s east ramp (adjacent to Rte. 28), additions or improvements to existing facilities on the north ramp (near Barnstable Road) and upgrades to a ramp apron and taxiways. Santos said the future improvements will be governed by strict performance standards including the protection of groundwater beneath the airport.

The proposed master plan is available for viewing on the Town of Barnstable’s web site. Go to www.town.barnstable.ma.us and click on “Airport Master Plan.” The direct link is http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/Airport2/Master%20Plan%20Update%202-8-10.pdf. A bound copy of the plan may be seen at the airport manager’s office on the second floor of the main terminal. Comments may be e-mailed to Airport Manager Bud Breault at roland.breault@town.barnstable.ma.us.