Copy of a letter to the Editor, The Globe and Mail
Re: "The Porter Air death watch is offically over" (July 25). I would like to call Marcus Gee's attention to the website of the Manhatten Airport Foundation, a group in favour of redeveloping new York's Central Park (a 19th century relic) as an airport. The website lists all the advantages that would accrue to New York - economic and environmental - the same advantages Toronto enjoys with our Island Airport.
Of course the website is a hoax - aimed at what I don't know. I do know that it would be ridiculous to install an airport in Central Park - while it's not ridiculous to maintain an airport in what ought to be the epicentre of Toronto's central amenity area?
The operators of the Island Airport cite the success of London's City Airport in the UK. However, it is not in central London, but 11 km east in the Borough of Newham. Newham is rated as one of the worst British municipalities in which to live, which explains why an airport could be located there. And the airport helps keep Newham one of the worst places in the UK.
Toronto's huge growth pressures in recent deacdes have meant that people will want to live near the waterfront even though an aiport if there. It could still be a lot pleasanter - for us all - if the airport was removed.
Michael Johnson
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