Residents of Whispering Pines voiced concerns this week about bringing commercial flights to the Moore County Airport. The discussion took place at the Wednesday, July 8 meeting of the Whispering Pines Village Council. Commercial flights – at the time by Delta – haven’t come into or left the airport since November of 2007.
Adam Kiker, the chairman of the Moore County Airport Authority, was among those present to address concerns. He was quick to give assurances that commercial flights would not cause the taking of private property – by eminent domain – to accommodate any expansion of the airport, something that’s not currently on the table.
“Taking someone’s private property is a very serious thing to consider,” Kiker, who was appointed to the Airport Authority in 2022, said. “Our runway is more than long enough. There are no plans to lengthen the runway.”
Rick Cloutier, the airport director, stressed that longer runways are becoming a rarity.
If a property owner were to make land available to the airport, however, a transaction might occur.
“We could purchase, but we won’t need to,” Kiker said.
The commercial carrier involved in the planning would take passengers to and from Washington Dulles International Airport.
Kiker downplayed the idea that commercial service would bring congested roads and a degradation of community charm.
“Not all passengers are going to use this,” he said. “We would see property values turn up.”
It was acknowledged that proximity would be a factor in determining a piece of land’s value.
“What I say (about an increase in property values) may not apply to people who live right next to the runway,” Kiker said.
A common issue for residents was the level of noise produced. At least one member of the public noted the impact disrupted sleep can have on the mental state of a community. That resident suggested a new survey be taken to disclose how those nearby feel about having commercial flights.
According to a poll conducted earlier this year, 79 percent of the 537 people responding supported commercial carriers at the airport. The feedback – as far as numbers – was substantial.
“The polling team was overwhelmingly pleased,” Kiker said.
In terms of noise and other environmental issues, airport officials advised that compliance with rules and regulations was a must.
“We’re required to meet all federal and state environmental programs,” Cloutier said.
On a larger scale, Kiker discussed long-term objectives and a commitment to the area.
“We have a mission and a purpose to improve our community,” he said. “We want to make decisions that are driven by our mission.”
Council members requested updates as the project moves along.
Feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Wendy Hodges.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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