Gwinnett residents air pros, cons of commercial flights

LAWRENCEVILLE - Residents voiced both objections and support for allowing commercial flights at Briscoe Field in Gwinnett County as a report on the proposal nears completion.

Some residents at the Tuesday meeting expressed concerns such as noise and feared that commercial flights would lead to lower property values.

But several business owners and residents said the promise of jobs and economic prosperity made the venture worth exploring. Bill Blackwell of Dacula said a better airport is needed to attract top companies to Gwinnett County.

A task force of residents has been studying Briscoe Field airport in Lawrenceville, including the idea of privatizing the airport and adding commercial flights. Its report is due May 8.