May 11, 2001
John C. Silva
Federal Aviation Administration, Manager Environmental
Programs
12 New England Executive Park
Burlington, MA 01803
Via e-mail
Secretary Bob Durand
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02214
Via e-mail
Re: Logan Airside Improvements Planning Project
The Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods strongly opposes the proposed runway 14/32. The runway is a short-term solution, by Massport's own data. It will affect only a tiny fraction of the delayed flights, and delays and congestion will return to, and exceed, present levels in a few years.
The runway would be used to expand service, with severe environmental impacts to many city neighborhoods already heavily affected by airport flight and access vehicular traffic. Logan Airport is located very close to the city center and the residential neighborhoods. The effective additional impacts of increased air pollution and noise on the population of Boston caused by an additional runway would be patently unfair. This is an issue of public health, and of environmental justice.
The only valid solution to the present overcrowding at Logan International Airport is comprehensive regional transportation planning. This planning process needs to encompass the entire New England area, and must include viable and convenient transportation alternatives, both by air and other modes, and more efficient flight demand and scheduling management. There are no plans that adequately address this spectrum of issues.
The Alliance joins the many public officials and community residents who demand a long-term solution, one that is environmentally sustainable and socially just. Such a solution lies in a comprehensive, regionalized approach to transportation planning and air traffic management.
Sincerely,
Shirley Kressel, President
Alliance of Boston Neighborhoods
Cc: U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy via e-mail
U.S. Senator John Kerry via e-mail