Residents raise safety, accessibility questions about proposed airport fencing

Residents raised concerns at a Lock Haven City Council meeting about security and access at the city airport, specifically an unsecured gate and a proposed new perimeter fence funded with federal money.

Nelson Mansourts, who identified himself as a local pilot and aircraft owner, told council he found a new trespassing sign on the boundary between his property and the airport and said he will comply “until we get a signed agreement.” Mansourts said his low‑wing antique airplane is flown only a handful of times per year and noted the city’s plans must account for pilots who use wheelchairs. “The fencing is new construction. It's done with federal money, and it has to be ADA compliant, of which the plans do not show that,” Mansourts said, adding that several local pilots rely on vehicle access to reach aircraft.

Another resident described repeated incidents when an airport gate remained unsecured for extended periods. The resident said the gate was open for more than two years, was later pushed shut but not secured, and that a recent driver accessed the airfield and drove on taxiways. He said airport staff had later secured the area but that the gate remains unsecured at times.

Council members and staff said the airport manager had been instructed to secure the gate after the issue was previously raised. One council member said they had personally closed the gate when they found it open and that staff would follow up with the airport manager.

Speakers emphasized two separate issues: (1) whether the existing gate and fence are being maintained and secured day to day, and (2) whether the proposed new, federally funded fence includes the required accessibility features and what additional costs that could create. Residents asked whether signage alone could be sufficient in some locations rather than new fencing that could require ADA accommodations.

Council did not adopt a new policy or vote on fencing during the meeting; the discussion occurred during the public‑comment portion and in general comments, and council members said staff would investigate and follow up.

The meeting record shows residents’ safety and access concerns covered both immediate maintenance (a gate repeatedly found unsecured) and design questions (ADA compliance and cost for a new, federally funded fence). The council said the airport manager will be asked to make sure gates are secured and promised to follow up on the design and funding questions raised about the proposed fencing.