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Ltr. To Editor I have been known as a loyal supporter and friend to the Military since I moved to Key West. I have been a member of the National Navy League since early 1980, member of the Ft. Lauderdale Council and now member of the Key West Council. I have and still believe that it is our duty to support our military in every way possible. But, as County Commissioner, I must put aside my personal feelings and do what is right for my constituents. In this case it involves the discussion and decisions regarding adoption of the 2007 NAS Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ). There has been much printed about Stock Island which is in my District. I have been accused by some that I have no concern for their problems. Since I have not had e-mails, telephone calls, or correspondence from any person that lives in the Harbor Shores area, I started my own investigation. I do live on Stock Island, but, due to my work, I leave early in the morning and arrive home usually after 8:00 pm. Most flights take place in the hours when I am away from home, so I have not personally experienced the issues complained about. I feel that it is time that I make it known publicly that in my opinion, NAS Key West Environmental Impact Statement is deficient. In my quest, I have found evidence that the boundaries have definitely moved and that part of my district has been impacted severely by the flight patterns and the high decibel levels due to the F-18 Hornet aircraft. I have information to back up the opinion that this was “REVERSE ENGINEERING FOR A PRE-DETERMINED OUTCOME”. The data states that there are actually 1,061 new acres in the noise zone after the proposed change and a total difference of 1,234 acres between the data as depicted in Table 4.4 of the 2003 Environmental Assessment NAS Key West. We had a County Commission meeting on December 5th, 2007, where I requested that the Navy complete an actual sound monitoring with live personnel in the area of Harbor Shores. I also asked that I be allowed to attend. To date, my initial request and e-mails have been unanswered. The Governor signed Bill 1604, May 25th 2004, which requires local government to amend their comprehensive plans to achieve compatibility, but I feel that the Base has a responsibility also. That is by Mitigation and Compensation. I have served as the Chair for the Key West International Airport Noise Task Force for 7 years. The FAA has committed to a very successful noise attenuation program where they sound-proof the individual homes with doors, windows, insulation and air-conditioning. Once the unit is complete, the homeowner signs a waiver acknowledging the home improvements and the fact that they live in a noise contour, thus, removing any liability to FAA for sound. I respectfully request that the Base do the same. In turn, we will, in return for the sound improvement, place a deed restriction on all property affected. This negotiation will follow the buying and selling of the properties into the future. There are approximately 1,000 homes that are impacted by the high decibel level contours in the new maps. I would like to see NAS Key West not only pay for the noise attenuation but, also purchase the land that is in the danger zones. In my estimation, this would represent approximately $350 million. This is not out of the question as other bases throughout the United States have purchased land around the fields to prevent encroachment. In fact, NAS Key West has purchased land not too many years ago in Geiger Key. It is Monroe County’s responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents as well as enable our Base to continue with the vital training while preventing encroachment. It is unreasonable to assume that the residents of Monroe County should pay the cost for the “takings” that this would create. Sincerely, Dixie M. Spehar County Commissioner District One |
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