The time has come to close Pearson Field commuter airport. Remember the reasons cited for closing the Evergreen Airport site? Those same reasons exist for Pearson Field, with three additional compelling reasons:
1. FAA regulations dictate height for downtown Vancouver future hi-rise buildings (developers).
2. Aircraft altitude restrictions dictate Columbia River Crossing bridge height (aesthetics).
3. FAA considerations hamper Portland International Airport operations (safety).
Now, before the NIMBYVILLE and tourism crowds get excited, it is long past time that a proper commuter airport is sited along the Interstate 5 corridor between Woodland and Vancouver. Perhaps closer to the new Cowlitz Tribe casino? Maybe around Duluth near the newly widened State Route 502? The time for development and land use planning is upon us.
