Letters

“Peeling back the onion” is a common expression, often used in psychotherapy as a metaphor for what takes place during the process of self-discovery. Interestingly, it can also describe the fatiguing process of civic self-discovery.

When it was announced a while back that Amazon was entering into a major trucking deal at Gabreski Airport, many inquiring minds asked, “Why is Amazon setting up shop at an airport when other warehouse sites in eastern Suffolk County are available, at lower cost? Does Amazon have future ambitions to supplement its impending mega-trucking operation with an airfreight operation?” And, if so, what does that mean for the noise profile of communities in the flight path of Amazon?

The response from politicians has been swift but inchoate [“Officials Address Concerns About Proposed Amazon Hub In Westhampton,” 27east.com, December 8]. According to the apologists for Amazon, it can’t happen: Amazon doesn’t want to do it. The Federal Aviation Administration wouldn’t allow it. There is no ground handling at the airport. Southampton Town has zoning laws preventing it.

Observing the onion as it sits on the table, these would appear to be not unreasonable responses. But as we peel back the layers of obfuscation, these arguments appear as thin as onion skin.

For example, we know that the FAA, by mandate, is in the business of promoting more air service, not restricting it. Parts 135 and 139 of the FAA code could be invoked to allow either charter flights — or outright scheduled flights, in some cases — that would fulfill Amazon’s needs. (This is because Gabreski, though a “local” airport, has a very sophisticated operation due to the Air Force’s occupancy. Look at the 9,000-foot runway, the FAA tower, the security, fueling, etc.)

We also know that airfreight involving small packages requires little ground space and could be accommodated at the existing facilities and apron at Gabreski. While Southampton Town does have existing zoning laws, we know from legal precedents emanating from the highest court in the state that local zoning laws can be overturned by applying the judicial notion of “balancing of public interests.”

Remember, Amazon is not some local jet charterer. It’s one of the largest, most aggressive companies in the world and seemingly bent on changing the way products in America are delivered to consumers. Its business model is evolving as we speak.

Notwithstanding, it’s becoming apparent that the politicians want to say it can’t happen, because they don’t want to unpeel the next layer of the onion and answer the more profound question: If Amazon were able to navigate the aforementioned issues, what would the county do? Or, more succinctly, if Amazon came to the county with an airfreight plan, would it cooperate?

It’s a simple question, really, and one that deserves an answer.

Mark J. Schulte

Quogue