The operations manager for a tourist helicopter business in Cherokee told Jackson
County commissioners last week he would move to new site within the
county if a suitable location could be found.



“We don’t want to fight Jackson County,” said Jim Garst,
the manager of Cherokee Helicopters. “I talked to the owner today,
and he’s all for moving the helicopter to another location in Jackson
County where it would be more agreeable.”



The noise from the helicopter has prompted a swarm of citizen complaints
to the county board. The board’s attorney is currently looking
into ways the county can regulate or perhaps ban the operation, and
around 20 people showed up a meeting last week where those citizens
thought an ordinance might be introduced.



County Attorney Raymond Large, however, said his research has led him
to conclude that a comprehensive ordinance will be difficult and time-consuming
to write. He said any ordinance would have to comply with Federal Aviation
Authority rules and regulations and both federal and state law.

“What I assumed would be a simple endeavor has gotten more complicated,”
Large told commissioners and those in the audience at last Thursday’s
county board meeting.



Large said he was reluctant to draw up an ordinance that would make
the helicopter business outright illegal. Instead, he said he was considering
space setbacks from existing homes and businesses, limiting hours, and
limiting take off and landing sites. He said it would be at least 30
days before he could present an ordinance to commissioners.



Garst did not mention shutting down the business, but he did reiterate
his willingness to work with the county.



“The owner is willing to go back and do something. We are open
to suggestions and ideas to solve this problem in a peaceful manner,”
Garst said.



County board Chairman Jay Denton said it may be hard to find a solution
other than closing down the sightseeing helicopter business.



“People’s everyday life is being disturbed by this repetitive
noise,” said Denton.



Earlier, county commissioners and representatives from all the municipalities
met in a joint session. During that meeting, representatives of the
municipalities showed support for finding a way to shut down the helicopter
business.

 

Home

©
Copyright 2001, The Smoky Mountain News.