Written by Boeing is interested in leasing some property back from Renton, which makes all the discussions about a Jet Center moot.
As far as I am concerned, Boeing is the reason this airport exists, and they are first in line for this site. From last night’s committee of the whole meeting, it sounds like a majority of my colleagues agree with me.
Let’s welcome Boeing’s increased presence on Renton Airport, and give thanks that we can enjoy the sights and sounds of an occasional and glorious 737 instead of the unknowns of a Corporate Jet Center.
While the process took a long time, we are lucky that we had not started building something new before Boeing decided they wanted this property. For jobs and revenue, we want Boeing to favor our city for the replacement for the 737 in 10-20 years. Retail will never provide the kind of payroll and prestige that we get from aerospace…so let’s keep our airplane plant. And let’s not squeeze Boeing off our airport.
Here is the Seattle Times article:
Boeing tests could halt Renton airport proposal
Seattle Times Eastside bureau
Boeing is considering leasing the space it vacated at Renton Municipal Airport, a move that could dash a controversial proposal to create an executive jet center there.
A Boeing spokeswoman confirmed that the company has asked Renton officials whether the space is available.
Boeing is studying the possibility of testing its group of 737 jets at the Renton Municipal Airport, which is owned by the city but is not a major source of revenue for it.
Renton civic leaders came up with the executive jet center plan a few years ago, anticipating the loss of Boeing and other airport tenants.
After residents of Mercer Island and Renton spoke out against the idea, fearing it would cause too much noise, Renton eased up on the jet center planning process, agreeing to conduct a joint noise study with Mercer Island.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
And we shouldn’t forget…
Glad to hear your fellow council members agreed.
We need Boeing in Renton and should do whatever is necessary to keep them here.
My gosh, some people were willing to bend over backwards to pay for a stadium to let overpaid athletes play basketball so I don’t see why we would work with Boeing to create new livable-wage jobs.
Go Boeing !!
Boeing goes out of their way to be a neighbor-friendly, responsive and responsible operator at the airport. They should be first in line for space, and no space at the airport should be tied up long-term that they might need some day. They are the real heart of Renton’s economy, not a jet center that only employs a few limo drivers and a couple mechanics.
Mark Hancock
Kennydale
Renton Airport Planning Process
This development is just the latest example of the flawed planning process that the current City Adminstration has persued for future use of the Renton Airport. The path that was being pursued was under the radar prior to August 2006 when Boeing Field shut down for two weeks to repave the runway. This resulted is many of the business/private jets operating there to come into Renton for that period.
Prior to this time there had no public meetings on the planning effort in spite of the fact that the Mayors Office released in July 2006 a Request for Proposals to the aviation business community to lease 7 acres for 30 years to build a “Jet Center.” The resulting noise impact caused the residents of Renton and Mercer Island to demand that public meetings be held to inform the citizens of the effort and provide oportunity for input to the process.
The 2005 Airport Develoment Study which put forth this plan set forth requirements for “development of an executive jet center”, runway improvements, and “development of hangars …capable of storing light and medium piston and turbine aircraft.” The possible furure airport requirements of Boeing were not addressed.
Re: Renton Airport Planning Process
The 2005 Renton Airport Development Study, as revised in June 2007, STILL provides for the development of hangers capable of storing light and medium “turbine” aircraft. Turbine aircraft include jets.
Why is the development policy to build more hangers for jets still in place? Building more hangers for jets will attract more jet owners to move their aircraft to Renton, and that means more jets landing and taking off from Renton.
Re: Renton Airport Planning Process
Makes you wonder….
We have elected officials in the city, and why would any one of them think that having jets taking off 24 hours a day would be good for Renton residents?
I’d be good for Puget Sound – but Puget Sound didn’t elect these officials. So what causes these people to do things against their own constituents. Money? Hmmm…
Obviously, there’s good people like Randy who shed a lot of light on things like this. Thanks to him and people like him, I hope we can move forward for the benefit of Rentons citizens.
Re: Renton Airport Planning Process
The Renton City Council should take further action to reduce the noise impacts of aircraft landing/taking off from Renton, by requesting a night curfew from the FAA —- no landings or take-offs between the hours of 9 pm and 7 AM weekday, and between the hours of 10 pm and 8 AM weekends, except for emergencies. We all deserve a good night’s sleep!
Re: Renton Airport Planning Process
Great point! That’s completely reasonable.
Re: Renton Airport Planning Process
Great point! That’s completely reasonable.
Can’t read it enogh
I can’t get enough of this good news. Quiet neighborhoods and good jobs to buy houses to live in them. I am so greatful Boeing stepped in before it was too late. A Jet Center would have filled a few peoples pocket books and fleeced the rest of us. What a very happy ending.