Reviewing Trenton-Robbinsville facility plans
By: Adele Gambardella
WASHINGTON — A subcommittee created last year by the Township Committee to study the Trenton-Robbinsville Airport master plan soon could resume its activity.
“Since we had the public meeting last September, we didn’t do anything the rest of the year about the airport,” Committeeman Vince Calcagno said. “We have a lot of unfinished business to deal with.”
Concerns first surfaced in July 1999 following a presentation by airport officials to the Township Committee of proposed changes in the airport’s updated master plan.
Such a 20-year plan is needed before the airport, on Sharon Road, can apply for federal and state grants, according to officials.
Following the meeting, information began to circulate among residents living near the airport that an expansion was planned which would include lengthening its runway, increasing its number of hangars and accepting landings from large aircraft such as cargo jets.
Many residents who live near the airport feared the project would translate into more planes, noise and traffic. There would be more vehicle traffic on surrounding roads, more pollution and an increased chance the nearby Sharon School could be struck by a plane.
“The biggest thing the subcommittee needs to consider is the flight path that goes directly over the school,” Mr. Calcagno said. “We also need to let the public know about any changes made to the master plan.”
A large crowd packed the municipal building’s meeting room Sept. 9 to hear the Township Committee’s plans to form a subcommittee to examine the airport project in detail.
The governing body decided it was necessary to form the subcommittee after questions and concerns were raised by residents over what specifically the project entailed and what impact, if any, it would have on neighboring residential areas.
The seven-member subcommittee includes Mr. Calcagno, pilot Joseph Mikulewicz, pilot Paul Porgorzelski, Josephine Parr, Rich Anderson, Ken Begler and Richard Heller.
“A lot of residents have questions about the plan,” Mr. Calcagno said. “The committee was formed to help residents understand the airport changes. We need to get this subcommittee back together to answer the concerns and questions the residents raised in September.”
The airport master plan is available for viewing at the Washington Branch, Mercer County Library, Mr. Calcagno said. The library is in the municipal complex off Robbinsville-Allentown Road.