CHICOPEE – Officials at Westover Air Reserve Base will hold a virtual meeting to discuss results of a study updated this year about compatible use zones at the base.
The Air Installations Compatible Use Zones study is designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of those living and working near military bases while allowing the Air Force Reserve to continue its mission by promoting compatible and collaborative planning for development, said Lt. Col. Rodney B. Furr, chief of public affairs for Westover.
“The results of the study aid in development of local planning mechanisms that will protect the public safety and health as well as preserve the operational capabilities of Westover Air Reserve Base,” he said in writing.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday over Westover’s WebEx program. The public is invited to attend and can access it by clicking https://wsp-502.my.webex.com/wsp-502.my/j.php?MTID=mcc6c29599fc901e3941e8c9ac4110ac1.
The study is a routine one updated about every seven years. The last one was completed in 2013 and it was previously updated in 1996.
This year’s study does include changes about noise levels or noise contours due to the upgrading of the Westover jets to the C-5M Galaxy aircraft, which are quieter and more fuel efficient. It also includes information about increased flight operations in the past seven years and changes in land use and development in Chicopee and nearby communities of Ludlow, Granby, South Hadley and Springfield.
The study also includes information about development in the area known as the Accident Potential Zone, because of their proximity to runways.
Related Content:
Construction of $42.6 million hangar at Westover to begin in spring
Covid not stopping Westover, Barnes from mission
Westover welcomes newest aircraft: Final C-5M Galaxy arrives