Monday, October 03, 2011

Florida: Dania commissioners poised to approve airport-expansion settlement

DANIA BEACH—  City commissioners will cast their final votes Monday on an airport-expansion settlement that would pay off homeowners, end years of litigation and pave the way for a new $790 million runway.

Monday's 7 p.m. public hearing at City Hall will be the final opportunity for residents to sound off against the settlement and expansion.

The never-before-used payoff would require homeowners to accept they will have to endure jet noise and other displeasing aspects of having an airport for a neighbor in exchange for checks amounting to 20 percent of their home's value.

Commissioners tentatively approved the settlement by a 5-0 vote on Sept. 27. A second unanimous vote is required.

The county would next have to approve it and then the Federal Aviation Administration.

The new runway, a second "main" landing strip for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, is expected to reduce air travel delays and bolster the economy.

Dania has been suing Broward County to stop the airport from expanding since 1993.

Homeowners who take the money would be required to sign a release that says they accept the noise, and also "vibrations, aircraft lights, fumes, dust or other particulate matter, fuel particles, fear, interference with sleep, enjoyment and communication and any and all other effects" of the aircraft flying over. The release would stay with the property, even if it were sold.

About 857 homeowners south or west of the airport would have the option of taking the check, or selling their home and getting a payment from the county for 25 percent of the home's market value, if the sales price is lower.

For example, the owner of a home worth $200,000 could opt for a $40,000 check and remain in the home. Or, if the owner opted to sell and only got $150,000 for the house, the county would pay the $50,000 difference. But only 22 homes would be on the market at a time, so some homeowners would likely wait years for that option.

The FAA would pay 80 percent and airport revenues that passengers pay on tickets would fund the rest.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com

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