Plymouth Airport to Form Community Advisory Committee

Town Also Launches Quarterly Magazine to Enhance Communication

PLYMOUTH, MA - September 24 - The Plymouth Airport Commission is establishing a Community Advisory Committee to improve communication and address concerns about airport operations. The decision comes after months of discussions and public input regarding proposed airport expansions and other issues.

Ken Fosdick, chairman of the Airport Commission, presented the plan to the Select Board on September 24. The commission voted unanimously to create the advisory committee following a recommendation from the Select Board several months ago.

"We need to explain that so everyone sees the position from both sides," Fosdick said. "I applaud this moving forward, and it will happen quickly."

The proposed committee would include representatives from Plymouth and Carver, with the Select Board making final appointments. Initial plans called for up to 26 members, but board members expressed concerns about the size.

"26 is, it's actually 24, but the materials that you gave us outlined 26 members," said Select Board member Kevin Canty. "That is like, in my opinion, having served on multi-member boards, about three times as large as a functional, deliberative body in town."

Select Board member Dan Golden suggested reducing the committee to 13 members: eight appointed by the Plymouth Select Board, four by the Carver Select Board, and one designee from the Airport Commission.

The Airport Commission will revise its proposal and return to the Select Board with an updated plan in approximately two weeks. The board approved an application form for potential committee members.

Paul Worcester, an Airport Commissioner since 2001, said the committee's purpose is to address misinformation and improve public engagement.

"Things got a little testy as we were going through the technical master plan update," Worcester said. "The bottom line there, the Select Board suggested that we create an advisory committee."

Some residents expressed skepticism about the committee's effectiveness. Jennifer Hanlon, who lives near the airport, said neighbors have been voicing concerns at monthly Airport Commission meetings for over a year without seeing changes.

"We need to have a voice that is heard, and what sort of checks and balances will there be that we are going to be heard and listened to, because it hasn't happened so far," Hanlon said.

Golden clarified that the advisory committee would make recommendations to the Airport Commission, which would retain final decision-making authority.

In other business, the town is launching a new quarterly magazine to enhance communication with residents. Casey Kennedy, Plymouth's Communications Coordinator, presented the initiative to the Select Board.

"The purpose of the magazine is kind of going to be bridging any gaps of communication that there might have been in the past," Kennedy said. "The town, the departments, they've worked on amazing projects. They're currently working on some great projects, and have some wonderful initiatives in the future, but sometimes, you know, they're too busy performing their daily duties to be able to get it out to the public."

The magazine, tentatively titled "On the Move," will be published four times a year. It will include updates on town projects, employee spotlights, event announcements, and local history. The first issue is set to be released digitally on Oct. 18 and distributed at the fall town meeting.

Select Board members expressed enthusiasm for the project. "This is exciting stuff. We keep talking about communication and getting things out there, and this is a fun way to do it," said Select Board member Charlie Bletzer.

The magazine will be primarily digital, with some printed copies available at locations like the Center for Active Living. Kennedy said the publication will evolve based on feedback and community needs.

"It's in its infancy right now, it's going to grow and evolve," Kennedy said. "This is going to be the first issue, so I'm excited to see how it looks a year from now, and how far we've come."