The developers of a proposed hangar complex off Hartwell Road at Hanscom Field submitted their long-awaited draft environmental impact report (DEIR) to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs late Friday afternoon.
The report, part of a process defined by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), addresses issues raised in a detailed scope that culminated review and public comment under an environmental notification form.
One surprise that emerged in the introductory page is that the proposed hangar space totals 395,700 square feet, supplemented by an additional 126,680 square feet for “aviation support,” for a total of 522,380. The original proposal was about 495,000 square feet for hangar space and included about 80,000 square feet of renovated space in the existing Navy Hangar.
The report, including seven appendices, is about 1,000 pages in length. Copies were sent electronically not only to state and local agencies and officials, but also to area residents and others who registered a written or oral comment during the process that led to the scope.
Once the report is published in the Environmental Monitor, expected next Friday, there will be a 30-day public review and comment period. The developers are requesting a two-week extension, until May 10, “to allow adequate review time.”
Since the plans were announced, regional opposition has coalesced around concerns of the impact of additional private jet traffic on air quality.
Comments on the impact report may be sent by email to [email protected] or through a Public Comments Portal described on the website, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/submitting-comments. The developers have said there will be at least one more public presentation.
North Airfield Ventures and Runway Realty Ventures, limited liability companies formed to respond to a request for proposals from the Massachusetts Port Authority, filed the impact report that was prepared by the consulting firm VHB.
Under MEPA, the state agency can require changes to be integrated into the final environmental impact report.
Link to the DEIR Report and Appendices A – G: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nkn2v16v53c7za53bt7yl/h?rlkey=l4e5mdzhqvyo3u4kwal03hrf2&dl=0
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WOW WOW WOW – “One surprise that emerged in the introductory page is that the proposed hangar space totals 395,700 square feet, supplemented by an additional 126,680 square feet for “aviation support,” for a total of 522,380.”