The Town of Babylon continues to be engaged in a long struggle with NYS-operated Republic Airport over its refusal to develop a plan for the future of the airport that includes meaningful community input. Over the last several years, Republic Airport has begun a major expansion campaign that includes the purchase of an additional 11.3 acres of property (added to the existing 536 acres of airport property that is mostly off of the tax rolls), construction of a new 100,000 square foot hangar and expansion of an existing hangar. In addition, they are embarking on construction of a new 51,500 square foot hangar and a 37,500 square foot addition to an already existing hangar. Most importantly, however, Republic Airport is attempting to move forward with a plan to widen the taxiways which will permit larger planes to utilize the airport more frequently. Incredibly, with each of these changes the airport has declared that they do not have a significant impact on the environment. By issuing this declaration, the airport is able to avoid a full scale environmental review that is required under State Law. The Town of Babylon is suing the airport and the State on behalf of the community. There are currently two separate lawsuits pending. Although the town has not yet been successful in court, with each new effort to expand the infrastructure, Republic Airport is strengthening the Town

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