It’s about location, location, location


September 25, 2012 · Updated 3:23 PM 

When my wife and I moved to this island, we quickly became aware of traditional jet flight patterns. Local wisdom and compulsory Realtor disclosures schooled us about the “sound of freedom,” with OLF especially noted as an existing and integral part of the Navy mission. And so, as many letters to the editor over the years have suggested, we acted upon that information.

During the past three-plus decades we have researched, consulted noise maps, signed noise disclosure documents, purchased, built and lived on property where flyovers very rarely occurred. In the last few years, things have changed.

With the transition to new planes and new base leadership, our careful choice of home site is no longer out of flight patterns. OLF is still a given, if louder, necessity. But, now flights routinely wander/fly over traditionally respected areas. This cavalier assumption of air space trumps all land zoning, noise maps and planning, and jeopardizes stable land values. All-weather jet does not have to mean all-island.

My contacts with the base have been met with politeness and repeated encouragement to “keep calling…” Other residents with similar concerns should also contact the Base at 360-257-2681. Indications are that it takes a lot of squeaks to acknowledge that there is a wheel.

Larry Richards
Penn Cove

 

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