Fly Gwinnett Forward Seeks Briscoe Field Referendum

Gwinnett's County Commission is expected to vote Tuesday on a proposal from Propellor Investments on the privatization/commercialization of Briscoe Field.  Lacking what many believed would be the deciding third vote due to former commissioner Shirley Lasseter's resignation, many expect passage will fail with a 2-2 vote.

In a press release issued late Friday afternoon, Fly Gwinnett Forward is proposing that the "most appropriate way to resolve the issue surrounding Briscoe Field is for the county to release the proposal from Propeller Investments it received and for a referendum to be placed on the November Ballot by the Board of Commissioners."

When discussing the future of Briscoe Field, members of Fly Gwinnett Forward believe that this action would allow citizens the time needed to properly analyze the proposal on its own merits. This referendum would enable "all of the voting citizens of Gwinnett to make an informed decision."

At this time, neither citizens forming committees "for" privatation or "against" it, have had access to the proposal. Opponents have been vocal about the possibilities of failure and decreased property values in areas near the airport. Proponents believe the airport is a grossly underutilized asset that should be improved upon to affect a better economic climate in Gwinnett County.

A summary of the findings that recommended rejection is contained in a memo from Gwinnett County Director of Transportation Martin Conroy.