Local officials ask Murphy for help with airport plans

Officials met Aug. 27 at the Municipal Center with U.S. Rep. Christopher Murphy to update him on the town's plans to buy Robertson Airport using federal and state money, with the congressman pledging he will do what he can to get the proposal on the fast track for funds.

Town Manager Robert E. Lee told Murphy the town has been interested in buying Robertson Airport from the Tomasso family. Currently, the town is doing an appraisal and assessment of what the land and buildings are worth and whether to move forward. Because town money and commitment for the airport's possible operation by Plainville, Lee said a referendum could be scheduled for early or mid-2009.

Lee said he met with Federal Aviation Administration and state Department of Transportation officials, and they are committed to the airport continuing. Federal and state officials are willing to help Plainville pay for the appraisal and additional studies, purchasing the airport and potential upgrades.

In 2007, Town Assessor Jane Dickman Buden determined the fair market value of the property and buildings to be $3,620,000, while the Tomasso family's appraiser said it is worth $6,500,000. Another possible $7 million in improvements would have to be made to the airport, including possibly shortening the runway from its current 3,600 feet to 3,200 feet to allow for a safety area at both the north and south ends.

Council Chairman Christoper Wazorko, who attended the meeting with Murphy, said once the airport's fair market value is determined, officials will ask residents if they support buying the buildings, runway and adjoining land. Lee said the appraisal and secondary study will be ready in about 60 days. Clough Harbour & Associates of Albany, N.Y., the firm that did the initial and current report on the airport, has determined that Plainville's portion of the airport purchase price will be between $45,000 and $81,000.

Right now, Interstate Aviation manages the property for the Tomasso family. The aviation firm has 13 full-time and six part-time employees. Clough Harbour representatives told the council in 2007 the airport provides an economic benefit to the region. The initial study described the total annual economic impact to Plainville to be $2.1 million. If the town succeeds in buying the airport, it could contract with Interstate Aviation to continue managing it.

Lee also said the town could decide to have some airport property developed for support services, which could help make money for the town. He said that in the nearly three years the town has been seeking to buy the airport, he has heard little criticism of the idea from the public. Regardless, Lee still wants the residents to voice their opinion because town money would be used.

Murphy, who represents Plainville as part of the 5th Congressional District, attended the meeting with Plainville resident Robert Michalik Jr., his district manager and former local councilman, and Kristen Bossi,, the district's communications director.

Murphy agreed the continued operation of the airport is important to the local and area economy. Murphy said he will do what he can to get the Robertson proposal on a priority list for federal funding. Murphy said he'd be willing to arrange a meeting with U.S. Rep. John Olver, who is the House chairman of the transportation appropriations committee.

Murphy said he is involved in the expansion of Waterbury-Oxford Airport and knows of the importance of private and municipally-run airports because their closings have a ripple effect on larger regional airports.

Paul McDonnell, of Clough Harbour, told Murphy it is believed the municipal operation of the airport is viable. Lee said if unexpected stumbling blocks develop, another option would be to ask the state to buy Robertson.

Attorney Jay Malcynsky, representing the Tomasso family, expressed optimism the family can work with the town in the purchase negotiations. Also attending the Aug. 27 meeting was Rob Buden, the town's finance director.

Originally Lee had hoped the Robertson purchase question would be ready for the Nov. 4 elections, but decided to wait until early next year because there was more work to do. In addition, a public hearing and additional information session will have to be scheduled, Wazorko said.

The Tomasso family bought the airport in the 1970s from aviator and businessman Stan Robertson, for whom it is named. Robertson established the airport in 1941, but its roots go back to 1911, when aviation pioneer Nels Nelson flew his early plane from a nearby barley field. A sign at the entrance of the airport commemorating Nelson's early flights describes it as "Connecticut's oldest airfield." Robertson died in January at age 99.