--- In BATN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "3/4 Contra Costa Times" <batn@xxxx> wrote: Published Thursday, March 4, 2004, in the Contra Costa Times Concord airport should stay open, council says By Denis Cuff Contra Costa Times CONCORD -- The City Council is joining the revolt against a county proposal to close the Buchanan Field airport and build houses there. The City Council opposed the plan Tuesday, saying closing the airport on the outskirts of Concord would hurt the local economy, environment and regional air travel. Council members also said county supervisors were high-handed in seeking development proposals for the airport land without involving the city most affected. "The process is badly flawed," said Laura Hoffmeister, the Concord vice mayor. "The county is telling us 'We're in the drivers' seat. Hop in the back seat and come along for the ride.' This is not a partnership." The proposal has stoked harsh feelings between the county, the airport owner and operator, and the city, which figures it would provide public services for housing there. City officials say if the 600-acre Buchanan Field is closed, the city should lead in planning new uses. County officials say they should plan development of a county property. County Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier of Concord said Wednesday he has tried to enlist city participation in gauging developer interest in the project. City officials rebuffed him repeatedly, and declined to invite him to the council meeting Tuesday night, he said. "I'm willing to talk, but I think their minds are closed," DeSaulnier said. "I think we have an obligation here to look at an opportunity that could benefit the public." DeSaulnier suggests relocating the airport would open up the Buchanan site for homes to ease a housing shortage, as well as stores and a sports complex. Concord officials argue the airport is a valuable economic asset generating jobs in transportation and other fields. Many Central County businesses fly executives and consultants in and out of Buchanan Field, officials say. Hoffmeister questioned the wisdom of placing houses on airport land downwind of oil refinery and chemical plants. Pilots, Concord business leaders, and Reps. George Miller, D-Martinez and Ellen Tauscher, D-Alamo, oppose the closure. The council vote was 3-1 to oppose closure. Councilman Susan Bonilla said she voted no to avoid intensifying acrimonious feelings. Her vote doesn't mean she supports the closure, she said. The proposal faces an uphill struggle to win Federal Aviation Administration approval, she said. Contact Denis Cuff at 925-943-8267 or dcuff@xxxx --- End forwarded message ---