LAWRENCEVILLE, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Gwinnett County Commission voted Tuesday to have a citizens committee studying the future of Briscoe Field continue its work.
"What you saw us do today is to affirm the fact that the board thinks that this committee is important and that we value its continued work and want it to do that," said Chairman Charlotte Nash.
The Briscoe Citizens Review Committee abruptly voted to disband in December.
Some members were frustrated because the county moved forward with a Request for Proposals from parties interested in taking over the airport.
"If they give them some credence, then I think it probably will be a good thing," said Mark Elkins, a Gwinnett County resident who lives near the airport.
"But if they're going to ignore them again, and it's only done for the benefit of patronizing the taxpayers then it's really not going to do any good," Elkins told CBS Atlanta News.
Elkins and other residents have long been concerned about noise, pollution and quality of life issues if Briscoe is expanded.
Commissioners said they have questions, too.
"One of the things that I'm very concerned about is the financial feasibility and what kind of risk is associated with any sort of change at the airport," said Nash. "How much of that risk might fall back on Gwinnett County government and its taxpayers?"
The resolution passed Tuesday called for the county to use "due diligence" as it considers RFPs that are submitted. Wednesday is the deadline for proposals.
County leaders also named Commissioner Lynette Howard as a liaison to the citizens' group.
The commission gave the citizens panel until May 8 to submit its recommendations.
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