PLYMOUTH, N.C.
Shortly before Christmas in 2004, Navy officers and real estate agents knocked on the doors of farmhouses and trailers in Washington County, carrying blank contracts for owners to sign over their land.
They wanted to buy up properties quickly for a new airfield, before a federal judge ruled on the matter.
Residents slammed doors. Elderly land owners moved in with family to avoid the hard sell. In the rural community, anxiety and dismay overtook holiday cheer.
"Should I put up my Christmas tree?" one woman asked Plymouth town Councilwoman Mary Ann Byers.
"Arrogant," Byers said. "They were very arrogant."
The farmers battled in public hearings and federal courts. Two weeks ago, the Navy bowed to public pressure and dropped Washington County from its plans.
It now is focusing on five other sites for an outlying landing field for fighter jets from Oceana Naval Air Station to practice. The sites, located in Surry, Sussex and Southampton counties in Virginia and in Gates and Camden counties in North Carolina, will undergo 30 months of scrutiny before a finalist is chosen.
After more than five contentious years, Navy officials say they they have learned their lessons and that they are on track to revamp their process for selecting and selling communities on Navy projects.
"Can we find a solution that's a win-win?" sai d Rear Adm. David Anderson, the Navy's lead officer on the project. "It's a new challenge."
T he bitterness remains, though, and could threaten the new plans.
"There is poison in the well," Anderson said. "Is there enough to be fatal? I don't think so."
About a dozen farmers and residents gathered at the Plymouth municipal hall one evening last week, sharing their moments of despair and, now, jubilation with their victory. Many said the Navy failed to reach out to the tight-knit community and ask how a 30,000-acre military facility would affect farmers' livelihoods.
"You had to live it to really understand the terror," said Brian Roth, mayor of Plymouth, a hamlet along the banks of the Roanoke River about 10 miles from the proposed landing strip.
Purchasing large tracts of land would have left farmers with little collateral to borrow money for seed and equipment, Roth said. The community feared that many family farmers would be put out of business and forced to sell machinery in which they had invested several hundred thousand dollars.
"The Navy had no earthly idea how farming happens," he said.
Residents also say the military failed to adequately study the migrating birds that annually flock to a nearby reserve.
Anderson acknowledged the missteps that led to raw relationships between residents and the Navy. "There's no doubt some people acted in an air of arrogance," he said. "I'm not saying that the Navy has been flawless."
Anderson said he thinks the Navy would have prevailed in a court battle to build the airstrip in Washington County. The political cost, though, would have been high, he said.
Navy officials insist they have come away from the fight better equipped. Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter and other top brass have given Anderson authority to be more creative with proposals.
For example, the Navy will work with states and local communities to enhance the host region's economy. One possibility is for a state to subsidize compatible commercial developments near a new field, bringing jobs and tax revenues.
Another idea is to partner with conservationists to set up nature preserves around the facility.
Retired Adm. Robert Natter, commander of Fleet Forces at the beginning of the process, said he suggested that the Navy offer to build a wastewater treatment plant and fire station, and improve highways around the Washington County site.
However, those suggestions were dismissed in the Navy because military money must be spent to build and benefit military and not civilian projects, Natter said. "That's where the lawyers step in," he said.
"To accuse the Navy of not being sensitive is unfair," said Virginia Del. Joe Bouchard, a retired Navy captain who represents part of Virginia Beach. "There's not a lot they can do for economic development."
Anderson is confident the Navy has learned that it must study the economic impacts along with the environmental ones. Building relationships earlier in the process would also help, he said.
This time around, officers briefed governors, congressmen, and county and town officials before the plan was publicly released. Property owners and environmental groups also received calls.
North Carolina activists have spoken with farmers in Virginia and other parts of North Carolina, offering advice on fighting the Navy's new proposals.
County leaders in both states have initially opposed the Navy plans.
In Washington County, residents say they're relieved that the ordeal is over.
"I'm so happy, though," said Martha Askew, an 84-year-old who had vowed never to sell her land. "I'm so happy."
Staff writer Dale Eisman contributed to this report.
Louis Hansen, (757) 446-2322, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com
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Something called Z O N I N G
Hey Folks: Every city has rules for development called Zoning. It is to protect people, property values, the environment and it is what makes a city live-able. WHy doesn't this apply when deciding about Oceana and Fentress? This is just logic you know. Everybody goes rabid when they want to put a group home for abused women or mentally challenged adults in someone's neighborhood BUT when it comes to jet noise all the folks in deep denial and about the hazards of jet noise just go ballistic. Let's wake up. There are solutions to this problem, everyone can win but it's going to take some reasonable and rational thinking to do it. YOu can't have your cake and eat it too. WAKE UP.
WAAAA HOOOOOOO
Someone else is reading the Navy's documentation.
Sharon, I have gotten a lot of people in NC to understand the Navy's requirements. I hope your in Virginia and are able to convince a lot of people your way that this thing is not required. The Navy is trying to get a community to accept that they should allow a runway to be built in their community. Even if not a Virginian, in the community you live in, give people the information they need to make an informed decision. NO second OLF is required!
Thank you for your post.
Need for OLF
Once more folks, the Navy's own documentation states that in addition to the option of the five most recent sites, the 6th option is "to do nothing". If this field were necessary, why would the Navy even consider "to do nothing" an option? VA Beach fought to keep the jets, but ignored the necessity to NOT ENCROACH. This has nothing to do with patriotism. There is no justification for destroying one community just because one doesn't like the jets they fought to live beside.
Yeah, ok
It's like this, the jets that were in the air waiting to shoot down flight 93 were stationed at Langley Air Force Base, that's in Hampton and Hampton is in Virginia? Do we know what Virginia is?, ok, and they took off immediately once it was realized what was going on on 9/11. Follow me so far? Is this too hard? Do we need to draw pictures with crayons? I have been responding to the person that downplayed the importance of have jets that can respond to a crisis stateside. We do have jets that are stationed CONUS (Continental United States, are you still with me? I know that was a tough one)with the mission of protecting our own backyard. In order to be effective, they need to train (and not the choo, choo kind of train,ok?), in order to train, they need places to train at. Ok, I realize that I used alot of words bigger than "a" or "the" and that you're probably lost, but there's not a whole lot I can do there.
Aye?
Falconski...I am not trying to be insulting, but you are a bit hard to follow. I have to believe you are kidding. Either that or you have been in Britney's medication. You may want to look up what an implication truly is, then reread your text. I would prefer to debate with those whose opinions I respect, even if we disagree. Your comments are nonsensical.
They Were Local
No, but they flew out of Langley, so they train local, but just not in your backyard. I didn't claim you said those things, but if you weren't downplaying the role of the jets in your implication, then just what was your implication?
Jets
People like (comments)like from superkraut are the ones that exaggerate a situation to make it seem worst then what it is. Oceana is one base-if they leave Virginia we will survive. The biggest employer in the area is not one base. All the bases are not in danger, and won’t leave. People need to stop saying that!!! Oceana is almost a ghost town when you go there, not the busiest part of the town!!! If the jets leave, so be it and Virginia will survive!! No need to be dramatic and say the biggest employer to Virginia will leave if the jets go, lets be honest!!! Stop the scare tactics!!!
falconski
No, I didn't say any of those things. Standard attempt to skew my message though. Quite the O'Reilly tactic. Do try to stay on subject. You may want to note that the jets that did respond were not Navy fliers.
Mayor Roth of Plymouth, NC
Does know what it is to defend this country. He flew off and landed on carriers. He knows the importance of an OLF to get him safely home.
He reviewed the documentation presented to the 5 counties of NC and found the argument wanting. He had a lot of help. He and most of his helpers stated that if the Navy could ever show a requirement, we would stop the fight.
This second OLF is not required. What is required is the Navy must correct the encroachment that is harming the mission at Oceana and Fentress or abandon it. Condemning to the 75 dB DNL contour is required. Condemning to the 65 dB DNL contour line if in the best interest of the Navy and property owner required as envisioned for NC by the Navy.
Who is doing NIMBYism now?
Is this a want by the Navy? YES, the Navy said so
Since July 2003 the Navy has said that a second OLF is not required if most or all the planes are stationed at Oceana. EIS pg 12-1. This OLF is for noise mitigation for VA BCH and operational flexibility for the Navy. They want to get the training done sooner in the night.
Is the well poisoned, yes. Adm Anderson's statement that encroachment is not the problem but capacity is shows he did not read 2005 BRAC or the EIS.
Oceana is not the future of Naval aviation. Encroachment needs to be fixed at Oceana and Fentress or the mission needs to be abandoned. If FL had voted to reopen Cecil Field, the planes would be moving NOW.
This OLF is not going to fix that.
Oh, and...
The jets don't primarily train to fly here, but where they're needed elsewhere. I personally detest Bush and I think it's disgusting that we're fighting in Iraq and not focusing our efforts on actually finding the terrorists that actually attacked us. But I'm also a veteran who's actually been shot at by the way, and I firmly believe in adequately training our pilots. If not for the safety of an ingrateful nation, then for their own safety.
IRA
Yes, three planes hit their targets before we knew what was going on, but are you saying that it would've been inconsequential if a fourth had hit it's target? Are you saying not only that the jets that were launched meant nothing, but that the sacrifices that the civilians on flight 93 made were inconsequential as well? It means nothing that the jets would've prevented further tragedy if the passengers on the plane had not? Is that what you're saying?
VA Beach / NOB
I really wish the Navy/Military would just completly pull out of the entire area. I would love to see this whole area just fall completly off the map, as it largest employers leave. I have never seen an area that hates so much about the military except when it popular to "support". I cant wait to transfer.
falconski
So then your saying that the jets would have taken down the one jet that never made it to it's target? Not the two that hit our largest city and the pentagon? Thanks for the input. Good that you pointed that out. Airbases offer no protection from terrorist attacks. The jets are used for defense in conventional military defense and offense. If we are to be attacked in this manner the airbases of a master jet base will be the most likely target. I appreciate the military but the current noise situation is unbearable and should not be spread out to inflict harm on others due to idiocy. I am so sick of the red herring of terror being thrown out for every situation. It would appear that the terrorists have achieved some of their goals.
Who did this person
Who did this person interview for this story? In Camden, we knew nothing, nor did our officials until the Navy said we were a potential site. They notified our officials just briefly before the second round results. The proposed site in Camden will have the jets flying over SIX schools in two counties. The Washington site was finally left alone because of the migratory birds. Ironic that birds are more imporant than people, huh? Well, the birds migrate right through Camden and Gates, and stop to rest on the sounds and rivers here and in Perquimans, not to mention the Dismal Swamp Site. Elizabeth City has the largest Coast Guard base in the US and all their planes and helicopters fly right over Camden. If they take 30,000 acres of our almost non-existent tax base, we will cease to exist as a county. Check out the Navy's own documents--this is something they're doing because of encroachment at VB. In addition to the two sites in NC, and the three in VA, their other choice after spending 25 million of your tax dollars as well as about five years trying to cram this thing down Washington, NC's throat, is in their own words "to do nothing" If this was a vitally necessary project
Hey, can Virginia Beach
Hey, can Virginia Beach switch mayors with Plymouth NC?? At least he cares about his city!! They are lucky, we didnt even have a chose in vb! The jets only cause noise and make the city look like a bunch of morons!! Sophisticated my butt!!! We built town center to attract big business but they will not put up with that kind of noise. Everyone got upset when Nordstrom’s thought we were too low class, well gee can you blame them!!! We allow jets to fly over our homes, schools and so on?!?!? We believe all the bull the Navy and Mayor say and nobody can think for themselves!!! Sad place vb-we need a mayor who cares!! Good for you Plymouth!!
Liz Day
Nope, I don't live near Fentress. What's your point? Fentress was first opened in 1940, YEARS before the $400,000 homes you mentioned. Probably years before there was much out there anyway. My point? The people grabbing these homes knew it was there then bought anyway?!
Play me a violin!
So, back to my original question, WHY does the navy need another OLF? Because a few homeowners are screaming about the noise they knowingly moved into? Anyplace they go, they will be met with fierce opposition, so why not stay put?
there are problems at Fentress
Orion: I guess you don't live near Fentress. I have friends who do. There are problems: it's called head splitting noise. Imagine not being able to use your home and property as you should be able to. Imagine wanting to come home and take a nap and you can't because the jets are flying about 900 feet over your house. Imagine wanting to sit on your deck and read or garden or just enjoy nature. You can't when the jets are flying. You have to go in the house, put in ear plugs, shut the windows, bring in your pets. The animals get totally freaked when the jets are flying. But really, who cares about the animals or the wildlife? That's a non issue with the military. Look what they've done to the ocean and the dolphins with their sonic testing.
Also, there has been lots and lots of building in and around Fentress over the last 10 years. High priced homes, ($400,000 and up.) By the grace of God there have been no air crashes or loss of life/property near Fentress. Folks can only hope that their luck holds up. There is also an elementary school within spitting distance of Fentress Airfield. Try teaching little ones with jets screaming overhead.
But really who cares? It's the sound of f
They Were In The Air
If you would have paid attention to the news following 9/11, you'd remember that there were four reactive Air Force fighters in the air ready to shoot down the plane that went down in Pennsylvania. If it had not gone down because of the heroism of the passengers, it never would've hit it's target, it would've been shot down by fighter pilots who were allowed to train.
UnionMan
"People shouldn't have to give up their homes to defend this nation because at that rate we as American people lose sight of who really is the enemy, the US Government or the Alguaida, or is there a difference?"
Your disgusting, nearly incoherent diatribe shows your true character and level of intelligence. Is there any difference between al Qaeda (notice the correct spelling) and the US Government (military in this case)? Let’s see:
US Government, when it can, captures al Qaeda combatants as feasible
al Qaeda takes civilian US hostages and brutally executes them on video
US Government is fighting al Qaeda on several fronts
al Qaeda straps bombs on Down syndrome women and has them walk into a market
Need I say more? I feel sorry for you, but I'm proud as hell that I live in a county that allows you to spout your vitriol and the "US Government" fights so you can do so.
Yes, there is a difference
There is a tremendous difference, Mr. UnionMan! And, I take great offense to your comment.
Misleading
A poster below asked if it would be ok to not have well trained jet fighters when a passenger jet is hijacked again to fly into buildings. I would like to point out that no jets stopped any of the hijacked jets from reaching their destination. The bottom line is that the Navy will not deal fairly with any of these people. They have not in VA and they will not in NC. The mayor is doing what he should be doing which is representing his people.
Choices
I spent 10+ years in the Navy. I slept next to the jet shop and under the arresting cables for 5 years. I am very patriotic and believe in our military and their training. However, I chose not to live anywhere near Oceana and eventually decided to move my family away from the hustle and bustle as well as noise of Virginia Beach. I live in an area where you can hear birds, crickets, frogs etc day and night. It is peaceful and quiet. Oceana has restrictions on fly time, the Navy intends to use the new airfield to fly day and night 24hrs a day (no restrictions). I do not think it its un-patriotic not to want them in my area and I intend to let it be known that I do not want them where I live.
Alquaida, US Navy, No Difference
People shouldn't have to give up their homes to defend this nation because at that rate we as American people lose sight of who really is the enemy, the US Government or the Alguaida, or is there a difference?
Terror, Mr. Roth?
Would Mr. Roth Prefer that there were hijacked planes once again flying over our country and inadequately trained fighter pilots? That what it sounds like.
Please, someone answer this...
Why does the Navy need another field when they have Fentress? I've heard of them wanting to move for years, yet they continue at Fentress without problems. Is this a need or a "want to have" for the Navy?
Ditto
Ditto, Carolyn R. I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot of crying by folks located around the new sites as well. I will wonder then, if these people realize that this is OUR Navy, who serve OUR Country, who defend OUR Freedoms that need OUR land for training.
"The Navy had no earthly idea how farming happens," he said.
Perhaps Mayor Roth has no earthly idea how defending our nation happens.