Pocono News Section

Hazleton Cargo Airport Hearing

Hazleton Cargo Airport Hearing - Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 10:10PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 @10:10pm EST
HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY-It was standing room only Wednesday Night in Hazle Township as people who live in and near Hazleton came to hear more about a proposed cargo airport that would be built near the Luzerne -Schuylkill County Line.
The meeting was organized by State Representative Todd Eachus Who believes the airport, should at least be given a chance,before,it is rejected..

"My concern has been the rate of job growth and the wage growth that has been stagnate in the region"

The developers, Gladstone Partners, says it will create some 4000 new jobs and pump millions of dollars into the local economy.
But many here, question, if its all worth it..and at what cost to the environment and quality of life.
'It's all very nice I understand your enthusiasm about it" says Carol Polabinski of Hazleton, "I understand that, but first thing bigger is not always necessarily better big city is great place to visit, terrible place to live."

Drew Magill of Sugarloaf Township said "To think that the best use is only for industrialization is kind of unfortunate attitude a attitude a community should question very much."

Bob Powell is one of the developers,he insists the cargo airport will only be a positive for the entire area. "What this project has the ability to do is bring sustainable economic growth, not just to Hazleton Area not just to lower Luzerne County but in fact to the entire area."

The cargo airport plan will be studied by state and federal agencies-- as it moves forward..
There will be another public meeting Thursday at the same location, Hazle Township building from 10 am to 12 noon.