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Home My WebLink AboutIR 9270 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9270 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 22, 2010 �t;tea Page 1 of 3 a SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN AREA HELIPORT UPDATE �sfs The Aviation Department provided a report to City Council on May 18th regarding the Heliport Feasibility and Siting Study and was asked to provide additional information and solicit public input. The department conducted a public forum on June 16, 2010 at the Doc Sessions Community Center. The meeting was advertised through the media, flyers were distributed in the area, and letters were distributed to approximately 90 people affiliated with neighborhoods within 1.5 miles of the area and other interested parties. The radius was based upon the preferred site which is bounded by 4th Street, 1-35, SH 121 and the Trinity River. Approximately 45 people attended the forum. The public forum provided those in attendance an overview by URS Corporation of the findings of the Feasibility and Siting Study as well as details for the top three ranked sites. A series of helicopter flights in and out of the 1-35/121 site were visible from the community center. The feedback from citizens was: Source of Funds — Concerns were expressed regarding whether tax dollars would be used for this project. Response: The department explained that the funds for this project were from aviation funds which are restricted for aviation use by federal law. Flight Paths— Citizens asked whether routes could be established in order to avoid flying over neighborhoods. Response: This has been discussed with helicopter operators and will be possible to establish. The 1-35/121 site provides very good alternatives to get in and out without having to fly over residences. A 'fly neighborly' flight route will be developed with the involvement of helicopter operators to avoid residential areas. Noise complaints from citizens will be investigated and resolved with the helicopter operator. Compliance with these flight routes will be enforced as extensively as possible within the city's legal jurisdiction. Helicopter operators have traditionally been very responsive to concerns and have abided by these provisions as long as safety is not compromised. Noise— Concerns over noise from the heliport were voiced. Response: Noise contours were created for the site demonstrating the anticipated noise exposure. In addition, a demonstration was conducted with two helicopters flying onto the 1-35/121 site. Observing from the Doc Sessions Community Center, which is as close as any residences to the preferred site, those present commented that the helicopters could barely be heard. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9270 ova* To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 22, 2010 Page 2 of 3 a SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN AREA HELIPORT UPDATE Iota Hours of Operation —There were questions regarding the hours of operation. Response: The heliport will likely be attended between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm with mostly emergency operations occurring after these hours. The heliport will not be closed at night but operators will be encouraged to not use the facility after hours except for law enforcement, emergency medical or similar flights. The department and URS also met with TPW Stormwater staff to review potential flood plain issues, and with TxDOT regarding the construction plans for 1-35 and SH 121. In both cases the 1-35/121 site will be able to be constructed without impediment regarding flood plain issues and highway reconstruction plans. Based upon the construction plans for 1-35 and SH 121 the department has been able to determine that the permanent helipad will need to be placed approximately 600' south of SH 121 to accommodate a future fly-over interchange. The interim helipad can be placed further to the north in order to use an existing warehouse foundation for helicopter parking. A Heliport Layout Plan process will be used to determine the actual layout and mix of facilities for the permanent heliport. The attached maps indicate the original helipad location with noise contours as well as the anticipated interim helipad and permanent helipad locations. The area for the heliport would be north of 4th Street and would be in the portion of the tract east of an existing well pad and business. The steps that are recommended for this project are as follows: July 13 Contract for Heliport Layout Plan and Interim Heliport Design (City Council) Aug Land Lease for an Interim Heliport on the 1-35/121 Site (City Council) Aug Selection of Fixed Base Operator for Heliport (City Council) Aug-Nov Complete Permanent Heliport Layout Plan Sep Zoning Change to allow Interim Heliport (City Council) Sep Begin Construction of improvements for Interim Heliport Open facility prior to February 2011 Spr 2011 Acquire property for Permanent Heliport (City Council) Spr 2011 Design of Permanent Heliport Sum 2011 Construction of Permanent Heliport ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9270 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 22, 2010 Page 3 of 3 a SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN AREA HELIPORT UPDATE Iola In consultation with URS, the department has determined high-end estimates for the cost of the heliport. The cost is based upon the 1-35/121 site but no design work has been done to refine these estimates and a substantial contingency has been included to account all potential costs. The Heliport Layout Plan and design for interim heliport would be $470,000. The interim heliport and permanent heliport improvements would be approximately $6 million plus the cost of the land. These improvements would include interim terminal, interim helipad, permanent terminal, roadways, auto parking, permanent helipad, apron, fuel, and initial hangars. For questions contact Kent Penney, Aviation Director x5403 or kent.penney @fortworthgov.org i I Dale A. Fisseler, P.E. City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS r A 7 5E e r s fi I z- 1,21 f MI Iry b r �i_F � �k.S ` '•mot - .� ..`r� ��...�.•'". ` ,�. i t t e �3eF• - '� 9•�4 .. .-fir.i.,�`� it-? Lit ir�ape•, Date Cc,�6 _ 4S'S183' N E,ejt! -f�