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Plans for School Get Passing Grade

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 February 2006, 12:00 CST

By Ann Weaver, The Daily Oklahoman

Feb. 15--SHAWNEE -- The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has withdrawn the protest it filed with the Federal Aviation Administration against a proposal to build a new school near the Shawnee Municipal Airport.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association also was against the location, but has reconsidered, a spokesman said.

Victor Bird, aeronautics director for the state Aeronautics Commission, said the protest was based on concerns that the noise level of airplanes would be hazardous and distracting to students. He said they've since learned of the school district's plan to alleviate the noise.

"The superintendent made it very clear that they are going to take some extensive steps to make sure it's satisfactorily soundproof," Bird said. "We've sent a letter to the FAA letting them know it's no longer a concern."

The Shawnee Municipal Authority owns the site directly east of Airport Drive, south of Lions Park and north of Shawnee Little Theatre. For the city to purchase the 8.7 acres from the authority and lease it to the school district for its new school, FAA approval is necessary.

City Planner Mike Southard said if the protesters retract their letters, there is a chance that FAA officials could allow the property to be used. He said they've been doing what they could to inform the opposition better about their plans.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association also was against the location, but its position changed after officials saw a site map of the area.

Chris Dancy, spokesman for the national organization, said the map made it clear to them that a major street would separate the school and airport and the land was not likely ever to be used for aviation-related purposes.

He said additional information from the state aeronautics commission and school Superintendent Marilyn Bradford about plans to soundproof the building also helped sway their opinion.

Dancy they are no longer opposed to the land being used for a school as long as the proceeds from the land sale are used for airport improvements and the school's design meets FAA's standards for noise mitigation.

The third protester, Larry Heath of Shawnee, could not be reached for comment.

Southard said the city intends to purchase the property for about $160,000. He said the proceeds would be spent on airport improvements over five years. The land then would be leased to the school system for a minimal fee, possibly $1 per year.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Daily Oklahoman

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Source: The Daily Oklahoman

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