Land dispute hampers airport
WAYNESBURG – The runway lights at Greene County Airport have been dark for more than two years, which stifled its use by area pilots, a local aviation group claimed.
The state Department of Transportation determined in 2013 the airport landing lights should not be illuminated after trees on the eastern side of the 3,500-foot runway grew high into the glide pattern, making it dangerous for night-time flying, but not hampering daylight landing and takeoff.
Max Loughman, president of the Support Our Aviation Resources organization, or SOAR, asked the Greene County commissioners Thursday to remove or “top” trees on the county’s property near the airport and require a nearby property owner to have his trees cut for safety reasons.
“Our goal is to get the lights back on,” Loughman said. “We need them back on.”
The situation is highlighting a dispute between local pilots and a homeowner whose property borders the airport.
Larry Varner complained to the airport about pilots flying too close to his Bedillion Road home, so Loughman said local airmen agreed to follow a wider approach pattern that swings around his property even though it puts aircraft in danger if there is an engine malfunction. Loughman said out-of-town pilots are unaware of this “gentlemen’s agreement” flight pattern and follow the pre-approved approach that takes them closer to Varner’s home.
“It’s a safety issue, but our pilots are willing to forgo that to make this guy happy,” Loughman said. “He was fully aware when he bought this (property) that he lived in the vicinity of this airport.”
The situation boiled over Aug. 22 during SOAR’s Aviation Day at the airport when Varner, 75, was cited for disorderly conduct after state police said he disrupted the festivities and threatened several attendees.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Morris said Varner met with county officials recently about the issue, and he complained “his house gets buzzed” from air traffic.
“I don’t know what can be done to make good neighbors,” Morris said. “I don’t know if there’s anything we can do in the manner in which they approach things. I, quite frankly, don’t know what the answer is.”
County Chief Clerk Jeff Marshall said a “percentage” of the trees are on Varner’s property, making it more difficult to enforce the maintenance in that zone. Loughman said the county entered into a lease agreement in which it requires the right-of-way be maintained, even on Varner’s property. County solicitor Cheryl Cowen said she will review the lease and right-of-way agreements before returning with an opinion on the issue.
Morris said they will either cut or top trees on county land, but made no promises about trees on private land.
A woman who answered the phone at Varner’s home said did not want to discuss the situation regarding the lease agreement or potential tree removal on his property.
After years of disputes, Loughman said the tree situation must be addressed immediately for safety reasons and so the runway lighting system, which needs to be refurbished and upgraded, can function again for night-time flying.
“I don’t now why the county is allowing this man to hold our community airport hostage,” Loughman said.
It was not known when the county would begin clearing or trimming trees on the airport property.