Officials meet to discuss zoning around airport

Zoning at the airport is based on Federal Aviation Administration rules.
By TIM YOVICH
Vindicator Trumbull Staff
WARREN - Trumbull County planning officials and members of the Western Reserve Port Authority were to meet today to discuss zoning around the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
Alan Knapp, Trumbull County Planning Commission director, informed commission members of the meeting during the commission's Tuesday session.
Knapp said the zoning meeting is needed because the issue has been lingering.
Proposed zoning regulations would keep clear the flight paths to the Vienna Township airport, Knapp has said.
Those attending the meeting today will include representatives of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber; planning commission, port authority; and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th.
During a May public hearing on airport zoning, some people questioned whether adding zoning to existing township and federal rules is really just another layer of bureaucracy.
A five-member Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport Zoning Commission was appointed by county commissioners. It worked on the rules and studied regulations at other airports.
Based on FAA rules
The zoning is based on Federal Aviation Administration rules. It would provide another vehicle for enforcing things that can get in the way at an airport, such as tall structures, densely populated living areas and water that attracts waterfowl, which pose a risk to planes.
The zoning would ban buildings taller than 400 feet in the approach areas at the ends of runways, and 150 feet closest to the airport.
Also, population density restrictions are tightest in the approach areas for the safety of planes and also in the event of an accident on the ground, and because of noise.
The airport zoning district would cover swaths of Vienna, Fowler, Bazetta and Howland townships.
The farther from the airport, the fewer restrictions, if any.
Report
During the planning commission meeting, the staff presented its year-end report.
The department received $5,376,455 in grants this year that required $9,479,582 in matching funds for various projects.
The staff of seven completed 25 projects using $3,251,109 in grants and loans with $235,881 in new investment. These include sewer improvements in Brookfield's West Hill, enterprise zone deals that helped several area businesses retain or create jobs, and preserving the environment.
yovich@vindy.com