Washblog

I find that a bit confounding because for over two years advocates for protecting Pangborn from encroaching development were ignored.

Developers, realtors and adjoining land owners were placed on the overlay committee. One retired airline pilot was included but he was considered to be in conflict with the agenda because of his knowledge of airports and their value and how important it is to preserve the integrity of them.

To begin with most agreed that an overpass across Grant Road was the most economical and logical way to expand the airport but when developers complained that would take up too much land and leave them without roads the decision was changed. Within 6 months planners and airport officials decided instead that diverting Grant Road would be cheaper and also create access to MORE land for development adjoining or near the airport!

While the building industry scoffed at the idea of Pangborn ever being any more than a stop over puddle jump more rational voices said that without a viable airport Wenatchee and the entire area would be hurt. Of course the voices of reason were drowned out by the cry of Private Property Rights.

The lot sizes around the overlay were 10 acre minimums and some felt that they should be protected but again the voice of immediate profit won over that of reason and no long term limits on zone changes were put into place. Douglas County now allows Limited Lot Segregation on 10 acre parcels. There by making over night an 8 and a 2 acre lot out of 10 acres and doubling density next to the airport.

To add insult to injury the Douglas County Commissioners refused  the suggestion of at the very least placing a disclaimer  in future title reports stating that the land was next to an airport and that normal uses such as noise, traffic, etc. should be expected. This was not done because the commissioners feared violating property rights. See link http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070511/OP/705110361

It seems to many that the Douglas County Port, Douglas County Commissioners and the Building Industry did everything in their power to undermine the airport. The lack of concern for protecting the area surrounding the airport from encroaching development was unbelievable.

Now, they are asking for tax dollars to help fund the same airport they turned their backs on a year ago. It seems that they want to have their high density cake and their money too!

I for one say no money to the airport. If it was that big of an asset high ranking officials in the county and port district would have done more to protect it when they had the chance.