Opposition to Belton airpark delays county decision

By Don Bradley

A proposed “airpark” on farmland in rural Cass County had its first public hearing Tuesday and neighbors came loaded with objections.

The meeting was officially about a first-step drainage plan for the site, but the opponents used the forum to attack the overall plan.

They told the Cass County Planning Board that the proposed Arrowhead Airpark with its nearly 100 homes and 3,000-foot-long runway would negatively impact the peace and tranquility of their rural neighborhood.

The site is southwest of Belton near 203rd Street and Prospect Avenue. The area is currently zoned agriculture.

One man, according to news reports, said, “I didn’t buy our house to live next to an airport.” Another called the plan the worst possible idea.

Developer Craig Wilcox countered that the proposal is not for an airport but for a subdivision for plane-owners who can park their plane at home and essentially “fly out their front door.”

He added that not all planes would be flying every day.

The board continued the issue until another meeting on March 24.

“We would have preferred an approval, but remain optimistic for eventual success,” Wilcox said Wednesday. “We’re going to work closely with (the Planning Board) to determine their concerns.”

A public hearing on the overall project and a request for rezoning would likely come later this spring.

Wilcox said Tuesday’s meeting was a first step and that there was already a waiting list for interested home buyers. One man said he had already paid money for a homesite.

Wilcox added he hoped to begin construction later this year.