NSBNEWS.net video by Sera Frederick. The City Commission will allow airplane banner towing for at least 30 days by a local operator despite complaints from residents who live near the airport.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The planes towing banners would leave New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport and head east over the swampy areas that run parallel with U.S. and head over to the beach area, just the opposite of where Ken Petrie lives. But that didn't stop him from getting up on his soapbox and giving the City Commission an earful about airplane news generated by the flight schools.
"It's about the incessant daily training flights," Petrie told the commission Tuesday, adding of the training flights that emanate from the airport near his home "bombard us with noise pollution."
Remy Colin of Aerial Messages wants to move his airport banner towing from Edgewater to New Smyrna Beach, but because of financial issues, in this case "slow pay," City Manager Pam Brangaccio recommended the city give him a 30-day tryout in allowing him to tow banners with the airport as his home base, which includes him renting a hangar there. Brangaccio said if there are no problems in the firsdt 30 days, the commission could then green-light the request permanently.
Colin said he had some issues with slow pay because of the national recession, but he did give the city a $2,000 payment up front for the 30 days. He assured the city the noise issue that those living near the airport have complained about in recent years, is not an issue that involves him.
Colin added he likes the New Smyrna Beach airport because of its flight tower and its overall facilities and location.
Commissioners Judy Reiker Jack Grasty and Lynne Plaskett voted in favor of it. Commissioner Jim Hathaway and Mayor Adam Barringer voted against it.
The mayor, who has espoused economic development since winning office in November, said later he voted against the measure because of the 30-day provision, which he felt was unnecessary.
Editor's Note:
This story is updated from Tuesday night to include the video production.