Eckels/Airport Noise AbatementSteve Eckels; 619 Second Ave. W.; Kalispell, MT
I. Consi eraiionse
1. 1 would like to direct your attention to the mural on the wall. It reflects an atmosphere that's
clean, quiet, beautiful and natural. I recommend that the council consider this image as a visual
"mission statement" when contemplating tonight's issue and subsequent decisions.
4
2. Much of the downtown is part of a historic district. Many of the homes were built near the
turn of the last century. Some in the aviation community like to defend their right to fly over
the city by saying "the airport was here first". This is in error. Is there any relevance to the
idea of preserving a historic sound-scape, as well as historic buildings?
3. Recently an out of town visitor to Flathead High School was appalled, that the city allowed
aircraft to fly over public schools. It is not uncommon for teachers to be interrupted during
class by noise from flights. Aircraft also disrupt the tranquility of the Conrad Mansion grounds,
senior apartments and Churches.
5. The city bypass is scheduled to break ground next spring. It would be an irony of ironies if
we are finally able to reduce cars and truck traffic through the city, only to increase air traffic
over the city. What would an aircraft by-pass look like?
6. In closing, please consider the question, "what is the number of people who use the airport,
and what is the number of people who are negatively affected by the noise? Retuming to the
mural, please note that there are no airplanes 'in the picture.