February 21, 2009

Its Done Part 2

Remember three years ago, or has it been four years, when one Robert Z. Nemeth came to my office and told me those infamous words. "Nothing will get done at the airport unless it goes through me", but I digress. In other words, even if it was a great idea for the City of Worcester, he would shoot it down unless he could somehow take credit for it.

After explaining to him what WiFi was, I needed to also explain to him what "privatization" meant. I used the eample of Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York, which had been leased out to National Express for 99 years. Robert Z Nemeth, in turn, told me to submit my "silly"idea in writing to the airport commission, which I did. In fact, this was recorded in the minutes of the meeting, but quickly dismissed and never to be talked about again.



  • Mr Nemeth, I have a question for you?
  • What do you think MassPort taking over Worcester Airport is?
  • Answer-privatization!!!!!!!!



Although it is not a private sector entity like National Express or Avports, we are witnessing the privatization or ORH as I had explained to him was the best course of action for ORH. Again I think this is a good move and bodes well for the future of ORH, but I think we made a mistake by not soliciting bids from other port authorities, private sector airport management companies and who knows who else. As Harry as mentioned many times, maybe we should have had Sir Richard Branson come to ORH?

I guarantee you that within three years, we will have a strong airport at ORH. Have to ask why, if we were in fact to going privatize ORH did we only talk to one buyer?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad the airport is finally going to take off, this is excellent for the city of Worcester and Central Mass. When will the take over be finalized? Any dates?

Anonymous said...

Git er done! It's been years/decades in limbo. Let's hope if MassPort does take it over the powers to be let them do what they need to do to make it successful.

If it means an access road, being an alternate flow of traffic for Logan, increased cargo then fine. That's what an airport is supposed to do.

If not downgrade to non commercial airport like you said Bill, and lease it out as a solar farm.

What's the big problem. I can't understand it?

Jon

Anonymous said...

Folks this is far from a done deal and at this time is only a proposal.

I hope for success up there, too, but I am at best guardedly hopeful. As part if this overall transport plan the Pike tolls stay in place for West of 128 while Worc Airport gets bailed out..???........if I represent Srpfld or Metrowest or even Greater boston......what do you think I am going to be saying about ORH's bailout??

There's the economy in general, the state senate, the state house of reps, the city council, the FAA??, and who knows who else......this has to get by all of them ....

Id love to see commercial flights all day out of ORH......but then we have mindsets like Palmieri, Rushton, & Germaine who will side with complaining citizens about too much noise.

Then there the potential access road issue......and Massport may have eminent domain powers in that regard, too??????........so they can put an access raod where they want.....w/o input from anyone...just like Nat'l Grid can string wires anywhere they want with their eminent domain powers.

Stay tuned...TOGETHER WE CAN"

Bill Randell said...

Jahn:

You are wrong on this one--this is a DONE DEAL. On the other hand I agree UNUM is not. This would not have come out unless all the details had been worked out.

You are right, however, about all the neighbors complaining about airport traffic. I appreciate their concerns, but if you buy a house within a mile of an airport what do you expect?

Don't worry about access road, it is not coming but ORH can succeed without it.

Bill

Anonymous said...

I own a home near the airport and watch the planes fly by my house. If I didn't like the sounds of planes then I should have bought someplace else. It's not even that loud, trains make more noise. Councilors need to tell people sorry there are things that come with living in a city.

Gabe said...

Tim, I couldn't have said it better myself. The cake and eaters in Worcester need a wake up call because they have been catered to for far too long.

If you don't like it, sell and move to the 'burbs because contrary to what you have been allowed to think for the past 40 to 50 years you do not live in a suburb.

Gabe said...

Bill, in your opinion, what are the odds of the airport becoming Logan's cargo overflow and how do you feel about that?

As a 9 year veteran of the trans industry I am salivating over it and love the idea of possibly landing a good job over there and being able to work right in the city.

And I hope that Massport comes in with the attitude that the most important thing going on in that area of the city is the airport succeeding at any and all costs.

As I said before there is way to large of a percentage of the 175,000 in this city living a suburban lifestyle that need a wake up call. Maybe this will be a part of that wake up call.

Anonymous said...

Gabe try Euro-American Air Freight . Actually had trouble finding good help last summer. 9 year vet should have no problem.

Anonymous said...

Folks, you got to get your collective feet back on the ground. Do I want the airport to succeed...sure I do .....do i think we should even have an airport.....not so sure...but I'll give it one last chance

Guys, Deval is the same floooosey who gave us a campaign promise of local property tax reductions........and waht do we get in return/proposed??

a. no propr tax cuts

b. more cig. taxes (BILL !!!)

c. poss. beer tax

d. 100%+ increase in gas tax

e. Soda tax

f. Candy tax

g. more tolls

h. local aid cut

Now i ask you guys....do you wear Purple Nikes and/or are you Kool Aid Imbibing Groupies.

You got to wake up guys and separate teh horse++++ from what eventually actually happens.

And dont call me glass 1/2 full kinda guy. I have watched this fine city go downhill for decades now...

and BTW....I got my new phone book recently.......as I was tossing last years book I couldnt help but notice on teh 2008 & 2009 phone books the there is a 6" square refridge magnet advertising Ellis & Ellis, the tort entrepeneurs........now do you think you'd see that magnet on Weston or Wellesleys' phone book.............it's called demographics folks...and we aint got the right ones and we're growing the growing ones.......it's called Pajama Land

Keep voting the way you do and you'll get what you deserve...Mcgovern, Barney, Rushton, Germaine, Palmieri, Bienenda, Spellane, etc..all Democrats looking to rape your wallets

Bill Randell said...

Gabe:

I think there is a real good chance of that happening. We have an Industrial Park right there and plenty of land that surrounds the airport. We should actually consider making some type economic development zone where we waive permitting fees, etc.

Also think we can see alot of charters diverted to ORH and I would love to see some direct Florida trips on Virgin/JetBlue/Southwest.

Bill