Intense focus on projects at Carroll County Regional Airport, from tree clearing to the runway expansion, has prompted the airport?s new manager to plan a slew of community meetings.
“There?s a lot of interest and a lot of action on a lot of the projects that are going on,” said Joe McKelvey, who took over airport operations Feb. 7.
McKelvey, who has about 30 years of experience in aviation, has already held one meeting with six residents and said he plans to have several more in the coming months.
One of the biggest recent controversies in Carroll centered on the county?s plan to expand the airport?s runway from 5,100 to 6,400 feet.
County officials say the expansion will improve the county?s industrial and commercial tax base by luring more corporate jets. Westminster residents say the project will bring louder planes, disrupting their neighborhoods.
Commissioners passed the expansion 2-1 in June, over some residents? objections.
But their worries should be better satisfied with an experienced airport manager who can respond to problems, said Cindy Parr, the county?s chief of administrative services, who has often fielded questions about the expansion.
“Joe is very versed in airport operations, has a lot of experience and is used to dealing with residents,” Parr said. “Certainly, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and the ability to be able to answer questions immediately.”
McKelvey replaced Dean Leister, who moved back to his position in the county?s bureau of building construction after serving 2 1/2 years as head of the airport. Officials said they wanted a manager with more aviation experience.
“It?s an excellent idea,” said John Stephens, a Westminster resident and expansion critic. “We haven?t had anyone to talk to.”
