Lancaster County Council approved the first steps to a plan that would allow a remote-control airplane club to operate at the county’s old landfill on Lynwood Drive.
Council unanimously approved the plan, which was first brought to its attention by RC airplane enthusiast Jeff Petroski, at its Jan. 25 meeting.
Petroski, owner of an RC business, petitioned council Jan. 4 to allow an RC club to operate on the landfill’s grounds. Because the landfill is county property, Petroski had to bring the proposal to council. Not only would the club benefit from having a large, open space to maneuver, Petroski said this could keep people from leaving the county to operate elsewhere and could even generate dollars for the county.
Under the agreement with the county, the landfill would only be open to club members and not the general public.
Petroski said their club would receive help from the Academy of Model Aeronautics, a national model aviation organization, which could provide guidance and insurance for RC fliers.
County Attorney Frannie Heizer said the county’s next step is to draft a letter requiring an ordinance and public hearing to allow people to use the landfill.
She said the county would also need to hold an environmental hearing to make sure the area is safe for residents.
As for specific details about who could fly planes and whether vendors would be allowed at the site during flying events, Council Chairman Rudy Carter said those details would be left up to the RC club. County Administrator Steve Willis said the site probably couldn’t accommodate large crowds.
“They couldn’t have a major show because of the physical constraints of the area,” Willis said.
Willis said he will work with both the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments to set up a plan according to S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control guidelines and insurance regulations.
Councilwoman Charlene McGriff recommended council continue to monitor the success of the club.
“If it grows to a point where it’s necessary to move it, that’s something we could look at a different date,” McGriff said.
Carter said he was surprised by the interest in the club from residents.
“I had no idea we had that many people in Lancaster County and the Elgin area that are airplane enthusiasts,” Carter said. “I think this would be an economic engine to get people in the county.”
Councilman Larry Honeycutt joked with Carter about his approval of the club.
“Rudy, I’m glad you like that, because I heard your wife tell you to go fly a kite, and now you can go fly an airplane,” Honeycutt said, as council laughed.
Contact reporter Chris Sardelli at csardelli@thelancasternews.com or (803) 416-8416
February 7, 2010 | Lancaster News, The (SC)
Author/Byline: Christopher Sardelli | Section: News