The Jacksonville Airport Authority announced the new service of a nine-passenger turboprop, Pilatus PC12 aircraft option at the Jacksonville Executive Craig Airport. While it expands opportunities for passengers in Jacksonville, neighbors nearby argue it drives down property values on their homes.
In addition to this new aircraft, the company said they have created “many jobs” and added additional revenue to Northeast Florida.
Residents who have spent years living near the Craig Airport argue the air traffic already circulating creates noise pollution in their neighborhood.
New options coming to the Jacksonville Executive Craig Airport - The JAA announced Boomerang Air Charter will add a 9-seat aircraft option. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/6pZYvuOfDY
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) February 24, 2019
“It doesn’t seem like anyone is asking how you feel about it,” neighbor Tanya Keefe said. “They’re just going ahead and doing it.”
In response to neighbors’ concerns of noise pollution, a spokesperson from the Jacksonville Airport Authority told Action News Jax when the economy is good, there might an increase in air traffic from new additions. They referred all other questions to Sky Harbor in regards to the new aircraft coming to the Craig Airport.
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Keefe said she has lived in the same area for more than a decade and has seen the increase in traffic through the airport. She worries the expansion will drive down the property value of her home.
Action News Jax spoke to several of Keefe’s neighbors, who are working to get their concerns heard with the city of Jacksonville.
“Because of the noise from the airport, I’m always wearing earplugs to do any kind of yardwork,” Keefe said.
“It doesn’t seem like anyone is asking how you feel about it. They’re just going ahead and doing it.”
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) February 24, 2019
This neighbor says she's worried the nearby airport expansion will bring down the property value of her home. More form her ahead on @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/AIwec9y2Wc
Other residents did not express concern over the new expansion but wondered if the new aircraft will add more grievances.
“Depending on the engines they’ve got on them, it will determine whether they will be louder creating more noise annoyance, and how often they’re taking off,” neighbor Jack Bishop said.
Action News Jax relayed neighbors' concerns to JAA and is waiting to get a response.
Cox Media Group
