Gardner/Airport
02/08/10
Mayor Fischer and Members of City Council,
We are writing this letter to show our support for the
expansion of Kalispell City Airport. We have watched the debate go on
for some time, at first believing that all involved wanted a win/win
situation, but that does not seem to be the case now. We sincerely
believe that an expanded airport with a longer runway will address the
two major concerns of noise and safety.
Many will say that we have a financial interest in seeing the
airport expanded and therefore should not be heard, but let us explain
that financial interest.
Our family has invested millions of dollars in the south end
of Kalispell, owning a variety of properties from Four Corners south to
the former Kalispell Livestock Auction including 70+ acres recently
annexed into the City limits.
The airport and its planned expansion have always been a
positive factor in our plans and acquisitions, not a detriment. We view
the City airport as a great asset to the City of Kalispell.
We have had and continue to have customers that fly in to the
city airport to either attend one of our auctions, look at RV’s, or
other business ventures.
Also, from the residential view point, I lived on the corner
of Airport Rd and 18th St. W. for a number of years. The Airport, of
course, was there when I bought the house and when I sold it. I did not
consider it to ever be a negative factor in my purchase of the property,
using it as a residence, or when I sold it.
We, along with many business and land owners, strongly support
the idea of an expanded airport and the possibilities and benefits that
come along with the expansion.
Thank you for your time and effort in serving the City of
Kalispell.
Todd Gardner