Agency Has Determined The Activity Safe At The Airport

The Chatham, MA Board of Selectmen said Monday night that it will not challenge the FAA's conclusion that the local airport is safe for skydiving, and the town must allow the activity at the airport.

The Cape Cod Times reports that the chairman of the Selectmen read from a prepared statement at the board's regular meeting following a closed-door meeting to discuss litigation related to the issue. “We will not be spending taxpayer money to challenge the FAA on these points,” Chairman Cory Metters said.

Metters added that the Selectmen "have directed Town Counsel to bring pending administrative and judicial proceedings to conclusion as soon as possible.” The city will also prepare a "vigorous" defense for a lawsuit filed by residents living near the airport who say that the activity is a nuisance. That trial is set to begin March 12.

Following the meeting, Town Manager Jill Goldsmith said that she would have no additional comment on a lawsuit filed against the town by Skydive Cape Cod, which sued for breach of contract when their lease was not renewed in 2013 over alleged safety concerns.

The FAA ruled last month that skydiving was a safe activity at the airport. The Selectmen have asked both sides to consider dropping their legal actions.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report