Ward 3 Councilman Timothy Howe said Monday the only reason he is calling for a sound wall backed by an earthen berm along Strawberry Field Road West  is because constituents living in the area have requested it should the Rhode Island Airport Corporation move ahead with a $100 million air cargo facility in what was once a long-term parking lot.

Howe made the berm the subject of a resolution that gained City Council approval, after revisions,  Monday night despite arguments from three residents who have closely followed airport developments that the resolution would serve as tacit city approval of the cargo facility and provide RIAC the argument the city favors the project prior to completion of an environmental assessment.  The trio likewise questioned avigation easements sought by the for city property abutting airport property

Howe claimed his resolution asking for the berm at this stage in an airport project has never been done and that he is proud to have sponsored it. “Let’s protect our citizens…this is looking out for our citizens,” he said.

That’s not the way Michael Zarum saw it.

“Complete the environmental assessment first,” he said. According to the timetable released at an informational session Jan. 10 the EA is to be completed this March. A RIAC spokesman was checking  Wednesday as to when the EA would be completed, but was unable to respond by deadline.

 Zarum said RIAC is no longer transparent in its dealing and suggested the city retain an attorney with experience in aviation matters to represent the city and protect its interests.

“Look at the environmental assessment and see what it says ,” reasoned Richard Langseth who has devoted much of his time to following RIAC operations and calling them out for failing to be more forthcoming with information.

Langseth said passage of the resolution “poisons the process” and “puts the cart before the horse…you’re jumping the gun on this.”

Langseth further claimed, RIAC is misrepresenting the impact of the facility when it says it will increase air cargo daily operations from five to seven and that 20 to 30 planes a day could be expected. He questioned the value of the berm, saying it would only minimize the noise for those standing right next to it and that the neighborhood wouldn’t be shielded from noise or pollution.

“No way is it going to help with pollution,” he said.

Arguing in favor of the resolution, Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur said, “As a city we have been short changed (by the airport) by late and early morning flights.” He said he receives complaints over 5 a.m. departures.

“To say they’re good neighbors…there’s no way,” he said.

As Howe explained, the resolution is aimed in supporting RIAC’s application for a Federal Aviation Administration grant to build the berm. RIAC is looking to finance construction of the air cargo facility, consisting of a 100,000 square foot warehouse to accommodate six jets facing the air field and truck loading platforms on the residential side, through bonding.  A wall and berm would separate the facility from Strawberry Field Road West according to the plan.

Howe described his communication with RIAC as “unlike anything I’ve experienced.” He said top airport administrators and representatives from the city meet monthly at either the terminal or the city annex at the Sawtooth Building to discuss issues.

Langseth argued RIAC should have been represented at Monday’s Council meeting. And Komar said the monthly airport/city meeting should be open to the public.  She said the city should be “challenging” the need to build the air cargo facility and that constrictions Fed Ex faces in Boston is driving it.  And if anything, she added, RIAC is not talking to the public.

“The council should be looking out for the residents not for RIAC,” she said.

After listening to arguments against a resolution  before the environmental assessment is completed, Ladouceur wasn’t as quick to favor it.  The resolution was amended to clarify the council is only endorses  the berm should the air cargo facility be built. It was unanimously approved.

“They,” Ladouceur said of Langseth, Zarum and Komar after the meeting, “presented concerning information.”  He applauded them for their informed testimony and insight on airport operations.

“I’m no big fan of RIAC…I’m not in favor of doing anymore expansion of this airport,” Ladouceur said.

The resolution to authorize the mayor to execute an avigation easement for 900 feet of Cedar Swamp Road had council members questioning exactly what they were being asked to approve.  And as Ladouceur pointed out it was confusing as to what they were voting for.  At one point the councilman, believing he was voting to deny an easement changed his vote, because as it turned out that would have been a favorable vote.

In a call Tuesday Langseth couldn’t say for sure how the council voted.

City Clerk Lynn D’Abrosca said Wednesday that the resolution was approved on a 7-3 vote  with Councilmen Ladouceur, Rix and Vincent Gebhart opposed.  City Council President Steve McAllister said Wednesday the council has previously approved airport easements and that this one allows RIAC to trim trees on Cedar Swam Road. Payment to the city is $4,500.

 Under the RIAC lease, Langseth  said, the city would abrogate the ability to complain about noise, pollution and other impacts of the airport.

“To ask the city to agree to abandon all its rights is nuts,” he said.