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The town is committed to maintaining a safe and viable airport with private and commercial service on Hilton Head Island, and I was gratifed to learn that Delta Airlines is providing service to Hilton Head Island once again.
I was pleased when the Beaufort County-operated and managed airport was certifed last year for use by C-130 military aircraft in emergency situations. This offers great fexibility for our community in times of need.
I support the airport master plan currently underway which the town is helping to fund as a way to get at the facts and dispel the misinformation that has permeated the discussions about the airport for so many years.We are listening to those who want a longer runway. I am also hearing from Port Royal and Palmetto Hall property owner’s association boards which have renewed their positions against runway expansion. And of course I have always been sensitive to the concerns of our native island community, including the historic Baygall community and the historic St. James Baptist Church congregation located in the path of a potential runway extension.
As an island and a community, we have always worked to fnd a balance between development needs and protection of our social, cultural and natural resources. I am confident that with facts in hand, and a reasonable and respectful dialog, we can find the proper balance for our airport.
I support eforts to maintain a safe approach path and am disturbed by continuing misinformation that the town opposes tree removal and pruning. The county has once again initiated the process to clear trees at the airport and town staff is working closely with them. I am proposing to the Town Council amend these regulations for tree work associated with the airport to:
- Eliminate the need for a detailed tree survey and a wetland alteration permit for work in wetlands, and the requirement that the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals must grant a variance to remove specimen trees and trees from wetland buffers.
- Change the process to allow an arborist jointly hired by the county and town to direct tree removal work.
Keep in mind there are still numerous federal and state regulations and approvals that must be obtained before the county can actually start cutting trees.
Be involved in the master plan process and let your voice be heard. To the greatest extent that we can, listen to each other and, in the end we will make fact-based decisions taking all opinions into account.
