That quote illustrates the frustration felt by Orange County resident Cliff Leath, whose White Cross land is in the bulls eye for the proposed new airport that’s being pushed by UNC Chapel Hill officials. Leath and other southwest county residents are organizing to fight the possible taking of their land, which would involve the county’s use of eminent domain power.
Now it’s up to a General Assembly-authorized airport authority to decide whose land is taken.
The 15-member panel will have the power to site, build and operate a general aviation airport in Orange County. It will have the power of eminent domain, the ability to take private property for the public good.
Now, the community is organizing –“No Airport” signs have sprouted like campaign placards — even though UNC leaders say the airport authority will have to begin its search anew.
