Melberg: Put airport expansion to a vote
Lifting Congress’ approved 95-foot wingspan exemption at ASE defeats our community’s safeguard from over tourism.
It means the present 44,000-square-foot terminal will be disgarded into our limited landfill and replaced with an 80,000-square-foot terminal to accommodate the growth associated with direct flights from NYC, Boston, Newark, and Miami.
The transportation solution to handle the increased number of travelers from more destinations by aircraft with larger passenger occupancy is having RFTA extend its service to the new terminal. However, a bus stop at the airport will be an inadequate choice for travelers with skis, luggage, and children who will be dropped off at Ruby Park to fend for themselves to find their final accommodations.
The traffic pinch point from the airport into Aspen will be exaggerated by the demand for more taxi’s, hotel vans, and rental cars. More affordable housing will be needed to support the expanded services required by an expanded airport.
A community vote on this growth facilitator project would provide the direction the Board of County Commissioners should take.
Tom Melberg
Woody Creek
