Philadelphia International Airport officials pitch latest runway project plans …

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 Officials with the Philadelphia International Airport went before the Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners last Monday to make the first pitch for a project that would realign one runway and build another to meet FAA safety regulations.

Joe Grubb, an engineer for the airport’s Program Management Office, and Dean Snyder, a tech services manager for the same office, said in a 20-minute presentation that the project would realign Taxiway H and establish Taxiway EE, both located outside Terminal E in the southeast corner of the airport, straddling both Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

“The FAA has termed this area a ‘hot spot,’ designating it as an aircraft movement area with a history of or a risk for collision,” Grubb said.

The project would involve removing pavement, grading sections of the land, adding lighting and fixing drainage areas, he said.

“It would improve efficiency and safety,” Grubb said.

In response to residents’ questions, Grubb said that while plans have not been finalized, the project would cost “in the neighborhood of $20 million” and take about a year to complete. He also confirmed that it is a phase of the airport’s controversial Capacity Enhancement Plan, which residents have been battling for years.

Airport officials have already presented the preliminary plans to the township’s zoning board, which recommended they go before the board of commissioners with their ideas.

Monday’s hearing was just the start of a public hearing process that will continue on Tuesday, Jan. 21, when airport officials will testify under oath about the project and residents will be permitted to ask more detailed questions.

“This is an informal presentation to the board,” township solicitor Sam Auslander said. “We will be seeking some additional detail for the project, we will put the presenters under oath and they will testify as to specifics and design.”

Also at Monday’s meeting, commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance to restrict overnight parking in the 100, 200, 300, 500 and 600 blocks of Saude Avenue, with permits not to exceed four per homeowner. The ordinance, which passed unanimously, also allows for guest permits and sets fees for permits. Continued…

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