What is the MC3?
In order to explore long- term solutions to the DMAFB jet noise issue which would ensure the viability and quality of life of neighborhoods surrounding DMAFB and also the long- term survival of the base itself, it was necessary to bring stakeholders from diverse areas of Tucson to the table.
Between FEB-2005 and AUG-2006, these stakeholders met under the auspices of the Morris K. Udall Foundation's U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution and created the Military Community Compatibility Committee ("MC3") to discuss neighborhood concerns, possible solutions, and their impacts on the community.
At the MC3 meeting on 01-AUG-2006 the three working groups presented their final recommendations (see brief descriptions below), most of which were accepted. The final "as delivered" version (Word(TM) document format, 567K) contains the recommendations from all three working groups. NB: Those who do not have Word(TM) on their machines or do not wish to download such a beefy file can use the online Word(TM) document viewer at http://view.samurajdata.se.
- Communications: This group addressed how to improve communication between DMAFB and the City of Tucson, and ensuring that residents can voice their concerns. The Communications Working Group final recommendations include improving the "Community Information" section of DMAFB's website, having DMAFB-related information available through the City of Tucson's Department of Neighborhood Resources website, and creation of an ongoing Community Relations Committee.
- Land Use and Regulations: These final recommendations discuss possible changes to various land use rules and regulations (such as the City of Tucson's Land Use Code, real estate disclosure laws), creation of a sound attenuation program similar to that of TIA, and channeling resources into improving neighborhoods impacted by DMAFB jet noise to mitigate the effects of property turnover and the subsequent increase in conversion of properties from owner-occupied to rentals.
- Operations: This group has been discussing changes that DMAFB can make in "how they do what they do" that could reduce jet noise over populated residential areas. Some final recommendations include changes to flight operations, ongoing noise monitoring, and the relocation of pattern training to other facilities (such as Yuma Marine Corps Air Station, Libby Field at Fort Huachuca, or the Auxiliary Field at Gila Bend) with the jets "going to work" at these locations and "coming home" to DMAFB at night.
The "official" MC3 webpage is located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MC3_Solutions; visitors will need a current Yahoo ID to access the calendar and document archives.
Here is some of the local coverage of the MC3 process:
- The 17-MAR-2007 _Arizona Daily Star_ credits new wing commander Col. Kent Laughbaum for taking actions to reduce aircraft noise over midtown after years of DMAFB's seeming nonchalance.
- The 16-MAR-2007 _Tucson Citizen_ applauds efforts made by DMAFB to reduce aircraft noise over midtown Tucson.
- The _Tucson Citizen_ supports the MC3 recommendations in a 04-AUG-2006 editorial column.
- The _Tucson Citizen_ briefly covered the MC3 recommendations in its 03-AUG-2006 issue.
- Eric Sagara summarized the MC3 recommendations in a 03-AUG-2006 _Tucson Citizen_ article.
- Carol Ann Alaimo summarized the MC3 recommendations in a 03-AUG-2006 _Arizona Daily Star_ article.
- Carol Ann Alaimo covered the 17-MAY-2006 Public Forum for the Arizona Daily Star as did C.T. Revere in his column for the Tucson Citizen.
- In the 15-DEC-2005 Tucson Citizen, C.T. Revere summarizes the situation in this opinion piece.
- The Arizona Daily Star briefly describes MC3 in its 12-DEC-2005 issue.
- Dave Devine wrote an excellent article about MC3 for the 08-DEC-2005 Tucson Weekly.
Below are notes from some past MC3 meetings; notes from more recent meetings can be found at the MC3 webpage.
last modified: 01:53:34 21-Dec-2007 GMT
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