CRAMA January 2008 Update

We hope you survived the holidays in good fashion. A few pounds heavier, perhaps a bit wearier. So now is time to rejuvenate .

First of all, we want to thank the many of you who wrote us back thanking us for our efforts. We want you to know, that we really appreciate this. Please also know that your comments and suggestions are always more than welcome.

Well, as we all know the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) has their hands full with the construction of two new major casinos. However, the airport issue is not dead by any means. There are some internal issues regarding the land leases covering the Memorial Airfield that have to be resolved before a final decision can be expected.  As we have read in the press, the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) council evicted all tenants at the airfield and the developer who once announced grandiose plans for an 11,000 acre development has apparently dropped out of the picture. We also understand, that a new Airport Authority has been appointed by the GRIC Council and that their key assignment is a focus on the financials.

We are very encouraged by the tribal leadership's recent engagement in a dialog with their various neighbors regarding the casino location.  We feel therefore that the GRIC will be willing, at the proper time, to engage in a pre-decisional round table conference about the airport future.  However, such conference should neither involve only the homeowners and the tribe nor should it be confined to the Memorial Airfield issue only. 

Why?  Because Chandler Municipal Airport seeks the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval to change some flight patterns and proposes to spend $326,476 on an airport noise study according to the Arizona Republic (Saturday, Dec. 15). Because the City of Maricopa has a few weeks ago held a public meeting displaying models and potential location of an airport that will accommodate an Airbus and 737s.  And because the Valley has experienced a tremendous growth both in population and aviation.

So maybe it’s time for the State and Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to take the initiative and address the overall valley-wide aviation issues before the various parties rush forward with their  own airport plans. This way potential traffic conflicts can be avoided and, hopefully, maximum safety and comfort to the communities assured. In a recent letter to Maricopa County Supervisor Brock CRAMA has suggested this and asked for his support.  It certainly is our intention to stay on top of this matter for to quote the GRIC Governor Rhodes : "…it's all about respect and working together!".

If you want to get a firsthand update, we urge you to attend a CRAMA meeting at the Sun Lakes Country Club, Arizona Room on February 25 at 6:30 pm. A full PowerPoint presentation including latest developments will be given. You may even suggest to your neighbors that they attend too.

 And remember, we will gladly provide petition forms to any one interested.  You just need to ask:crama@prodigy.net