Foothills airstrip

Evans letter: Private airstrip

Regarding the Foothills airstrip — I saw the letters from Jenna Narducci and Bob F. Reiner complaining about the new airstrip and the imposition on their homes and neighborhood. As an 81-year-old who showed up here in 1934, I felt the same way when Narducci and Reiner built houses where I played and hiked as a youth. Move back to where you came from and quit ruining my backyard.

TED A. EVANS, MERIDIAN

Source: http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/letters 

Narducci letter: Foothills airstrip 

The Foothills airstrip approval goes against Boise’s values to minimize development, maintain open space and protect wildlife habitat. The proposed airstrip is beside the Boise River Wildlife Management Area and in Ada County’s Mule Deer Winter Concentration Area, both integral to survival for migrating wildlife. This wildlife not only contributes to Idahoans’ quality of life, but to local economies. The foothills are an important recreational respite for the people of Boise. Conservation and protections over the last 50 years mirror public desire. The recent passing of the Boise Clean Water and Open Space Levy by 74 percent further illustrates public sentiment to preserve our foothills. The proposed airstrip benefits only a few individuals, disrupts and displaces wildlife, faces overwhelming public opposition, and goes against the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Boiseans cherish their open space and all the benefits it provides. Adding an airstrip compromises this value. It also sets a dangerous precedent that will allow all sorts of other noisy and congestive development in our diminishing quiet, open sanctuaries right next to our growing city. Please consider attending July 27, 6 p.m., at the Ada County hearing room and tell Ada County commissioners you don’t want an airstrip in your foothills.

JENNA NARDUCCI, BOISE

Source: http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion 

Reiner letter: Airstrip  

The Ada County Planning & Zoning Commission approval of a private airport in proximity to downtown Boise, Foothills neighborhoods, IDFG’s Boise River Wildlife Management Area and the Rocky Canyon and Warm Springs Creek’s Critical Big Game Winter Range is one of the most foolish governmental decisions I’ve heard of since I’ve been in Boise.

As a Boise foothills resident, I don’t want any increase in airplane noise on this end of town. As a sportsman and conservationist, I don’t want unnecessary disturbance of critical big game habitat. As a voter and taxpayer, I don’t see any need to have a planning commission, if this is the type of development that they feel complies with the Boise City Comprehensive Plan for the Foothills or Ada County’s Comprehensive Plan, Blueprint for Good Growth and Open Space Task Force report, or with the interests and sensibilities of the majority of their constituents.

BOB F. REINER, BOISE

Source:  http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion