The increase in airplane traffic count at the SLT Airport should be reviewed. If the increase is due to flight students merely practicing landing and taking off, then this is hardly cause for celebration.

And the empty hangars should be rented out for winter boat storage. Even to non-city boat owners if necessary.

Hopefully Sherry Miller will find a way to obtain not only hangar rentors, but some type of commercial air service for South Lake Tahoe, something that has been missing for many years. An increase in students taking flight lessons is a small but needed step towards airport viability. The airport could be of immense benefit to the City. There will always be naysayers, “not in my back yard” types. It won’t be easy for the airport to ‘make a profit’ without commercial flight service. I’m very much in favor of expanding airport operations. For commercial flights, smaller jets that are QUIET are available. The entire town will benefit if the airport becomes a grand success. Money generated by passengers and airport operations will benefit many types of businesses and individuals here at South Lake Tahoe. I’ve lived here for 38 years, and am only too well aware of the politics, NIMBY types….and much ETC!…involved with this airport over the years.

$65,000.00 for 13 hangars, $5000.00 per year, $417.00 per mo. then what would the sq. ft. price be? 10 cents?. The Airport director, makes at least $140,000.00 with vac.days, sick days, holidays, medical dental and eye car added to a salery of $81,106.00, with no commerical, I know how I would save the $65,000.00. 44 weeks of work for $2200.00 per week, when min wage in town is $300.00 per. week we should all work for the City of South Lake.

This makes no sense at all I was asked to give up and move from my hanger because there was a back log of pilots waiting for one. I had been a renter of hangers from since the 1980’s and had paid thousands of dollars to the support of the airport. Now the Fire Department has the Sommermeier hanger (largest hanger at the field) I leased for years. Are they paying rent? Is the relationship between the Airport director and the City Fire Marshall affecting the airports sustainability and profitability?

I’m out in the meadow all the time and have the helitahoe copter circle around. That is one of the quietest helecopters I’ve ever heard! It’s not even slightly bothersome!
You’d think in these times of economic hardship and government’s poor attitude toward business, we the citizens would applaud a company that tries to provide a service and be a good neighbor as well.
Some people are never satisfied with anything, I swear!

Twenty Years of Failure

For whom is the airport?
And when they help pay?
Or will the jet set finally be made to fund its own way?
How long will the South Shore’s non jet owners’ continue to pay?

For twenty years we’ve endeavored to keeping it paved
Indentured to paying for fares and Federally loaned overlays
Bought for a dollar at the height of gaming’s hey day
This whole airport ideal reeks of decay

It’s time take the airport off life support
Its time for it to finally die and go away

Another SL of T’s past City Councils’ mistakes?
What might the South Shore look like had they not gambled this way?
Our sidewalks and streetlights sold out for airport dues paid?

Is Minden really that far away?
And plenty of room for a great big runway
I wonder how much their non plane-owning citizens pay
To hear the noise of air traffic taking off and landing all day?
Just a little louder than a vacuum I’d say
More like thunder compared to a radio’s play

It veils the sound of the beauty of what Twain named Sapphire Bay
Where we could have scores of Soccer and ball fields where that damn tarmac lay
More than enough for great regional play
Creating more reasons for families and business to stay

Turning the airport into something that pays
This is a large part of the bright future
For the City on the shores of Sapphire Bay

RIGHT DOG, Some people are never satisfied with anything, I swear!

How about you being the first in line?

I about ran off the road laughing when I read this.

John please tell us more……Is the relationship between the Airport director and the City Fire Marshall affecting the airports sustainability and profitability?

Me, I don’t know but am curious especially with all the inappropriate manuevers present in City government, coupled with the lack of transparency, and other problems brought forth by the Grand Jury report.
When the hanger occupancy rates have gone from 100% with a long waiting list to a situation where 13 are empty, it is strange even in this economy. The airport has weathered many recessions in the past with 100% occupancy, why not now?
I am curious as to whether the Fire Department pays for its hanger or whether its a sweetheart deal that costs the airport needed revenue. Having the largest hanger at the airport unavailable for aviation related business’ can not be beneficial for the airport. It limits the ability for a aviation firm with larger airplanes to base at and contribute to the viability of the airport.

And then we would have one less business in town and at the “Y”. I own my property, pay my taxes and contribute my time to the community. I am embarassed at the fact our stores are vacant, our streets destroyed, and our unemployment rate is just under 20%, and the City government still fails to address the problems at hand.
Our local government has chased after high priced rainbows presented by out of town corporations and their consultants while antagonizing local businesses and engaging in micro managemnet while our town shrivels and dies. They have given unending freebies to the large corporations, mismanaged contracts, and attempted to over burden local businesses with taxes, fees, and unending regulation and restrictions.
I keep my corner exceptionally clean. Sidewalks are swept, litter is removed, and my buildings are well maintained. My restorations sell all around the USA and the world. I have been here for 40 years and will be here until I choose to leave.
I have tried in the past to sell or develop my property only to be stymied by requirements or regulations which make it inequitable for myself or a potential buyer.
I am embarrased by you “embarrased about the Y “, as you seem to be ignorant about the private property rights given to Americans by the Constitution and our system of jurisprudence and too embarrassed to use your real name.

Right ON, Mr. Runnels! You are the only shopkeeper I see who is outside regularly sweeping up the PUBLIC sidewalks and generally taking good care of the place. I personally happen to love old cars and I like seeing what’s on the lot. It is so NOT a junkyard. The only reason I can figure that so many people voice objection to your business is that they don’t care for your conservative politics. Liberals always seem to want to shut down anything they personally disagree with, no?
I say, Keep up the good fight! You have supporters.

Here’s another Runnels supporter. Maybe you could expand and occupy the corner across the street.

Yes well said Mr Runnels. I miss the quirky and successful local businesses that used to be here. It is time to give up the corporate raider dreams whose monies and profits will not stay here at the south shore.