October 23, 2023 Colorado leaders listen at Community Listening Session
Colorado citizens came from up and down the Front Range to speak at and attend the Listening Session at the Superior Community Center. The large room was packed and overflowing onto the patio. On the dias listening were Judy Amabile (D49), Kyle Brown (D12), AG Phil Weiser, Senate President Steve Fenberg (D18), and Representative Ruby Dickson (D37) from Centennial. Many citizens spoke passionately about how their lives have been deeply negatively impacted by general aviation. Each leader on the dias told the audience that they heard them and would be looking into the matter.
Colorado citizens came from up and down the Front Range to speak at and attend the Listening Session at the Superior Community Center. The large room was packed and overflowing onto the patio. On the dias listening were Judy Amabile (D49), Kyle Brown (D12), AG Phil Weiser, Senate President Steve Fenberg (D18), and Representative Ruby Dickson (D37) from Centennial. Many citizens spoke passionately about how their lives have been deeply negatively impacted by general aviation. Each leader on the dias told the audience that they heard them and would be looking into the matter.
October 20, 2023. Avery Brewing decides not to host pilot event
Airport supporters continue to offer events to the public that glorify flying and encourage young people to try it, such as through programs like Young Eagles.
In the guise of a news story, on October 18, the Daily Camera reported,
"A glider from the Boulder Municipal Airport will be set up on display from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Avery Brewing in Boulder, 4910 Nautilus Court.
Members of the public will be able to learn more about ways to be involved at the Boulder Municipal Airport, including scholarships for youth and volunteer opportunities. The airport offers grants for kids to get their pilots certificate and has a program that offers free flights to kids ages 8 to 17.
Boulder Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport, providing business, private, recreational and emergency aviation services to Boulder and surrounding communities." Boulder Airport glider to be on display this Saturday. Yes, the Daily Camera treats this as news.
Fortunately, Avery Brewing saw through the ruse. Local activists contacted Avery. When the Avery management understood that this was a promotion for noise and lead pollution and that community members may boycott their business, they cancelled the event at their brewery. Perhaps the event will be moved elsewhere.
Airport supporters continue to offer events to the public that glorify flying and encourage young people to try it, such as through programs like Young Eagles.
In the guise of a news story, on October 18, the Daily Camera reported,
"A glider from the Boulder Municipal Airport will be set up on display from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Avery Brewing in Boulder, 4910 Nautilus Court.
Members of the public will be able to learn more about ways to be involved at the Boulder Municipal Airport, including scholarships for youth and volunteer opportunities. The airport offers grants for kids to get their pilots certificate and has a program that offers free flights to kids ages 8 to 17.
Boulder Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport, providing business, private, recreational and emergency aviation services to Boulder and surrounding communities." Boulder Airport glider to be on display this Saturday. Yes, the Daily Camera treats this as news.
Fortunately, Avery Brewing saw through the ruse. Local activists contacted Avery. When the Avery management understood that this was a promotion for noise and lead pollution and that community members may boycott their business, they cancelled the event at their brewery. Perhaps the event will be moved elsewhere.
October 4, 2023, Boulder Aviation Association hosts candidate forum at BDU
For the pilot community, controlling the two Airport Community Conversation open houses wasn't enough propaganda.
On October 4, the Boulder Aviation Association hosted a City Council candidate and mayoral candidate event at a hanger (where all infrastructure is subsidized by the public) to gin up support. They invited candidates and provided framing questions for them to answer, such as,
"1. Boulder airport contributes to various industries such as tourism, business, climate research and emergency services. How will you work to maximize these benefits and ensure our airport remains a valuable asset to the city? Where do you stand on the airport’s future? [preferred 2-min answer]"
"5. Boulder airport should be a center for educational programs focusing on aviation. How would you support initiatives that encourage young people to pursue careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering and related fields?"
If you were a candidate invited to an event hosted by airport supporters, it might be hard to express thoughts you know they don't want to hear. But, if you're a candidate and a supporter, it's a great place for you. The Daily Camera reports,
"Councilmember Bob Yates, who is running for mayor, drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd when he asked why the community is “wasting a whole lot of time” talking about closing the airport given potential hurdles the city might face in doing that. He also said many community members may not be aware of the economic and recreational value the airport brings." [We are not prisoners of the FAA or the airport. It may take time, but we can separate ourselves from the FAA and maybe not even close the airport if we get local control. -Ed.]
"A few candidates, such as Aaron Neyer and Jenny Robins, were unambiguous in their support for keeping the airport open, even though they acknowledged that Boulder badly needs more housing, and some of the community’s biggest complaints about the airport, such as noise and pollution, need to be addressed.
“Affordable housing is obviously a huge issue that we need to address. But I’ve heard a lot of perspectives, and … I think there are way better options for affordable housing rather than using the airport,” Neyer said. He also added he sees the airport as a vehicle for technological innovation. [The 179 acre plot used by the airport is the last large developable plot in Boulder. It is a rare opportunity to create a planned, sustainable, low impact community that would provide housing, services, and tax revenue, as opposed to serving 120 tenants as it does now. -Ed.]
A swath of the audience started applauding after council candidate Jacques Decalo said he favored “proper redevelopment and infill of vacant lots and vacant office buildings” and using other available space in the city for housing before looking at redeveloping the airport." [There is not enough infill space to come close to what that 179 acres could support. Building piecemeal is what we're doing now, how's that working out? -Ed.]
City Council and mayoral candidate forum places Boulder Municipal Airport's Future front and center.
These quotes show that misinformation about BDU is alive and thriving, and airport supporters are feeding that.
For the pilot community, controlling the two Airport Community Conversation open houses wasn't enough propaganda.
On October 4, the Boulder Aviation Association hosted a City Council candidate and mayoral candidate event at a hanger (where all infrastructure is subsidized by the public) to gin up support. They invited candidates and provided framing questions for them to answer, such as,
"1. Boulder airport contributes to various industries such as tourism, business, climate research and emergency services. How will you work to maximize these benefits and ensure our airport remains a valuable asset to the city? Where do you stand on the airport’s future? [preferred 2-min answer]"
"5. Boulder airport should be a center for educational programs focusing on aviation. How would you support initiatives that encourage young people to pursue careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering and related fields?"
If you were a candidate invited to an event hosted by airport supporters, it might be hard to express thoughts you know they don't want to hear. But, if you're a candidate and a supporter, it's a great place for you. The Daily Camera reports,
"Councilmember Bob Yates, who is running for mayor, drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd when he asked why the community is “wasting a whole lot of time” talking about closing the airport given potential hurdles the city might face in doing that. He also said many community members may not be aware of the economic and recreational value the airport brings." [We are not prisoners of the FAA or the airport. It may take time, but we can separate ourselves from the FAA and maybe not even close the airport if we get local control. -Ed.]
"A few candidates, such as Aaron Neyer and Jenny Robins, were unambiguous in their support for keeping the airport open, even though they acknowledged that Boulder badly needs more housing, and some of the community’s biggest complaints about the airport, such as noise and pollution, need to be addressed.
“Affordable housing is obviously a huge issue that we need to address. But I’ve heard a lot of perspectives, and … I think there are way better options for affordable housing rather than using the airport,” Neyer said. He also added he sees the airport as a vehicle for technological innovation. [The 179 acre plot used by the airport is the last large developable plot in Boulder. It is a rare opportunity to create a planned, sustainable, low impact community that would provide housing, services, and tax revenue, as opposed to serving 120 tenants as it does now. -Ed.]
A swath of the audience started applauding after council candidate Jacques Decalo said he favored “proper redevelopment and infill of vacant lots and vacant office buildings” and using other available space in the city for housing before looking at redeveloping the airport." [There is not enough infill space to come close to what that 179 acres could support. Building piecemeal is what we're doing now, how's that working out? -Ed.]
City Council and mayoral candidate forum places Boulder Municipal Airport's Future front and center.
These quotes show that misinformation about BDU is alive and thriving, and airport supporters are feeding that.
October, 2023, Which entities support the aviation industry? Courtesy of Reddit, we know that,
"The Colorado Aviation Business Association is leading a multi organizational effort to not only increase the advocacy for airports in the area but also fight back on many of these homeowners who will complain without any factual knowledge on the subject."
"The Colorado Pilots Association has an advocacy site set up at https://coloradopilots.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=612720&module_id=641945 which is trying to bring together relevant information about the top level issues (100LL and purposes for the airport) as well as specific issues to each airport. They also send out alerts to their members when there is a public forum for pilots to speak with local governments to try to help educate them on the issues."
"AOPA is also very much involved." https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/176mvnr/denver_nimbys/
Must be nice to have funded special interests supporting your privilege.
"The Colorado Aviation Business Association is leading a multi organizational effort to not only increase the advocacy for airports in the area but also fight back on many of these homeowners who will complain without any factual knowledge on the subject."
"The Colorado Pilots Association has an advocacy site set up at https://coloradopilots.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=612720&module_id=641945 which is trying to bring together relevant information about the top level issues (100LL and purposes for the airport) as well as specific issues to each airport. They also send out alerts to their members when there is a public forum for pilots to speak with local governments to try to help educate them on the issues."
"AOPA is also very much involved." https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/176mvnr/denver_nimbys/
Must be nice to have funded special interests supporting your privilege.
September 2023. Community input part of Airport Community Conversation is ended
After a final Community Working Group (CWG) meeting in September, with no further open houses or community events scheduled, it appears that the community input portion of the Airport Community Conversation Project is over.
Not that it makes much difference. Most non aviation people were never aware of the project in the first place. Also, there seems to be no output from the CWG. The only other output for the public was the content presented at the two open houses, which were framed by aviation supporters.
It is rumored this project cost in the ballpark of $350,000.
After a final Community Working Group (CWG) meeting in September, with no further open houses or community events scheduled, it appears that the community input portion of the Airport Community Conversation Project is over.
Not that it makes much difference. Most non aviation people were never aware of the project in the first place. Also, there seems to be no output from the CWG. The only other output for the public was the content presented at the two open houses, which were framed by aviation supporters.
It is rumored this project cost in the ballpark of $350,000.
August 24, 2023 City Council tasks staff and Kimley-Horn to carry on
On Agust 24, the project team presented an update to City Council regarding the Airport Community Conversation. Links to the session video, study session materials, and presentation are available at https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/airport-community-conversation. (Scroll down, see Resources for for Aug. 24, 2023 material.)
The plan seems to be for City Council to make some decisions in January, 2024. At that time new City Council members will be seated and staff will provide another update to the Council.
On Agust 24, the project team presented an update to City Council regarding the Airport Community Conversation. Links to the session video, study session materials, and presentation are available at https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/airport-community-conversation. (Scroll down, see Resources for for Aug. 24, 2023 material.)
The plan seems to be for City Council to make some decisions in January, 2024. At that time new City Council members will be seated and staff will provide another update to the Council.
June 25, 2023
Four Scenarios for BDU
The consulting company conducting the Airport Community Conversation, Kimley Horn, has put forth four scenarios to the Community Working Group and others working on the project regarding the future of BDU. Check them out.
Four Scenarios for BDU
The consulting company conducting the Airport Community Conversation, Kimley Horn, has put forth four scenarios to the Community Working Group and others working on the project regarding the future of BDU. Check them out.
BDU Master Plan archive: prior AFA notes about BDU's Community Engagement Process and Master Plan development
Boulder Municipal Airport Master Plan development
"Airport master plans are prepared to support the modernization or expansion of existing airports or the creation of a new airport. The master plan is the sponsor’s strategy for the development of the airport."
The last Master Plan (MP) for Boulder Municipal Airport (BDU) was written in 2007. By FAA rules, Master Plans cover 10 - 20 years. The City is starting now to develop the next MP for BDU.
The last Master Plan (MP) for Boulder Municipal Airport (BDU) was written in 2007. By FAA rules, Master Plans cover 10 - 20 years. The City is starting now to develop the next MP for BDU.
City of Boulder activities and plans
In preparation for the next MP, Boulder City Council is holding a community conversation to "ensure that community concerns and aspirations are reflected in the recommendations for the airport's future"
News release: bouldercolorado.gov/news/city-boulder-seeks-input-future-airport
Project webpage: bouldercolorado.gov/projects/airport-community-conversation
The City has hired a consulting company, Kimley-Horn (KH) to conduct this project. Kimley-Horm counts aviation and specifically MP development as within their market space. As of this writing in January, KH has conducted some interviews with apparently more to come. They presented some findings at the Jan 12, 2023 Boulder City Council airport study session. A link to the video of the study session is below.
As directed, KH is being pointed about applying the City's Racial Equity and using the Racial Equity Instrument, and focusing on underrepresented communities. In interviewing, they are providing Spanish interpreters when needed.
News release: bouldercolorado.gov/news/city-boulder-seeks-input-future-airport
Project webpage: bouldercolorado.gov/projects/airport-community-conversation
The City has hired a consulting company, Kimley-Horn (KH) to conduct this project. Kimley-Horm counts aviation and specifically MP development as within their market space. As of this writing in January, KH has conducted some interviews with apparently more to come. They presented some findings at the Jan 12, 2023 Boulder City Council airport study session. A link to the video of the study session is below.
As directed, KH is being pointed about applying the City's Racial Equity and using the Racial Equity Instrument, and focusing on underrepresented communities. In interviewing, they are providing Spanish interpreters when needed.
The FAA Master Plan
The development of an MP is generally funded and directed by with FAA. Presumably, taking FAA money to develop the MP comes with the same 20 year attendent obligations disallowing local control. With the FAA directing the MP process, other considerations outside aviation interests are not on the table. Resident concerns are not part of this process.
The FAA Master Plan process presumes growth and expansion.
From the FAA:
From the FAA:
104. FUNCTION OF MASTER PLAN STUDIES
a. Airport master plans are prepared to support the modernization or expansion of existing airports or the creation of a new airport. The master plan is the sponsor’s strategy for the development of the airport.
AC 150/5070-6B 7/29/2005
b. The goal of a master plan is to provide the framework needed to guide future airport development that will cost-effectively satisfy aviation demand, while considering potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts.
The FAA's goal is always "to meet demand." That does not include managing demand or protecting life on the ground. In fact, the FAA exerts tremendous pressure, financial and political, to promote that demand, particularly in general aviation (GA). Funded by taxpayers, of course.
Airspace For All grassroots advocacy efforts
For a truly complete picture about BDU options, AFA is advocating for an economic study and a land use study. In order to make well information decisions, we need complete information. These could include limited or alternative uses for BDU land, such as housing, commerce, parks, etc.
The plan for the CWG are to conduct five meetings. Holding meetings does mean residents concerns will be accomodated or even considered as the MP is developed. Airspace For All is advocating for enlisting an ongoing oversight group that includes residents to observe and provide input throughout the Master Plan development. No more of only vested interests steering the bus.
References
Boulder Airport Community Conversation
News release, City of Boulder Seeks Input on the Future of the Airport
Call for Community Working Group Members
FAA Advisory Circular, Change 2 to Airport Master Plans, Jan 2015, www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/150-5070-6B-Change-2-Consolidated.pdf
Boulder Municipal Airport 2007 Master Plan, bouldercolorado.gov/projects/airport-master-plan
Kimley-Horn on Airport Master Planning, www.kimley-horn.com/services/aviation-consulting/airport-master-planning/.
Boulder City Council 1.12.23 Study session video, www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ahOYXzgS-8&t=1021s.
News release, City of Boulder Seeks Input on the Future of the Airport
Call for Community Working Group Members
FAA Advisory Circular, Change 2 to Airport Master Plans, Jan 2015, www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/150-5070-6B-Change-2-Consolidated.pdf
Boulder Municipal Airport 2007 Master Plan, bouldercolorado.gov/projects/airport-master-plan
Kimley-Horn on Airport Master Planning, www.kimley-horn.com/services/aviation-consulting/airport-master-planning/.
Boulder City Council 1.12.23 Study session video, www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ahOYXzgS-8&t=1021s.