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Airport commission sends letter warning not to build Wal-Mart for 'safety' reaso

Suisun City warned in letter by airport board not to build Wal-Mart Supercenter because of safety' concerns to residents

The Solano County Airport Land Use Commission sent an urgent letter to the Suisun City Council this week specifically asking it not approve a proposal to build a Wal-Mart Supercenter because of safety concerns, said a community group opposed to the Wal-Mart project today.

The airport commission, which voted 5-2 in early November to oppose the Wal-mart plan because its proximity to Travis Air Force Base would pose a safety threat to shoppers, has discussed telling the city of Suisun would be taking full responsibility if an aircraft accident should occur, according to published reports.

That part was left out of the letter, reportedly, but the airport commission still urged the city to withdraw the project. The city has suggested it would overrule the advisory commission, which includes several longtime military and commercial pilots within 45 days of the Nov. 8 vote.

"Residents are struggling to understand why the mayor and the city council do not comprehend the seriousness of this matter. Their support of the heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune over public safety is simply malfeasance in office," said Dwight Acey, spokesperson for the Suisun Citizens League.

"We are thankful that the Solano County Airport Land Use Commission has made another attempt to reach the Mayor and our City Councilmembers in an effort to point out the importance of maintaining aviation safety in our city," he added.