BNAS panel urges keeping runways open

BRUNSWICK – The panel developing a plan for the Brunswick Naval Air Station after it closes in 2011 wants to keep the runways operational.

The 13-member Brunswick Local Redevelopment Authority voted unanimously Wednesday night to recommend that the runways be transferred to an airport authority.

Aviation consultants have said that the airport would be suitable for general and corporate aviation, but not commercial flights.

The decision to maintain an aviation use at the facility is important for the Brunswick community, said Martin Wilk, chairman of the panel.

“We have passed an important milestone,” Wilk said.

Not everyone was happy with the decision, which needs approval from the U.S. Navy.

Some Brunswick residents want to remove airplanes and the noise they create from their neighborhoods.

“We’ve had an airport there for a long time. I’d like to suggest it is no longer needed,” said Harry Hopcroft of Brunswick.

Authority members also recommended Wednesday that the Navy transfer a number of air station buildings and open space to the town and to Bowdoin College.