The Martin County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a voluntary corrective action plan (VCAP) for Martin County Airport, Wytham Field, after residents testified about increased aircraft noise and urged mitigation.

The plan responds to a Federal Aviation Administration Part 13 informal complaint tied to an October 2023 request for proposals, county staff said. Commissioners voted to submit the VCAP to the FAA for review, and Commissioner Hurd was appointed the board’s formal liaison on airport matters.

Why it matters: County staff told commissioners the VCAP is the procedural step the FAA requires to outline how the airport will comply with the complaint’s findings. Residents said noise from recent airport and golf course changes has intensified, citing health and property‑value impacts. The county’s decision to approve and submit the plan begins a formal process with the FAA that could constrain future non‑aeronautical uses of airport property if the agency requires corrective action.

At public comment, Jeff Orter, who identified himself as "a retired audio engineer," told the board, "The airport is not in compliance with the FAA's mandatory 65 dB DNL," and warned a current VCAP proposal would "only exasperate this problem further." He recommended a 20‑foot vegetation buffer of drought‑resistant plants, saying, "A properly planted natural barrier can reduce the sound levels by more than 40%." Orter left satellite images and research with commissioners for further review.

Resident Diane Ciccarelli described near‑constant overflights on Parakeet Lane. "I can't swim in my pool," she said, adding that frequent jet traffic has affected her ability to use her yard and may have harmed property values. Both speakers urged the county to address community impacts as staff completes the VCAP.

During the staff presentation, Mister McBean explained the VCAP responds to an informal 14 CFR Part 13 complaint that followed an October 2023 RFP and said a separate Part 16 complaint is pending. Commissioners pressed staff for details about lessee activity and non‑aeronautical uses. Commissioner Vargas asked how the issue started and cited a complainant’s contention that a lessee (recorded in the discussion as DAHRAE/DAHARE) was not operating in current aeronautical use.

Mr. Donaldson, speaking for county staff, said the lease for the party in question "outlines for the full transition of aeronautical use for airport properties," and added staff "would work with our airport on making sure that it complies" and would coordinate with the parks department on appropriate vegetation placement.

Commissioners moved on two formal items related to the matter. Commissioner Campy moved that Commissioner Hurd serve as the board’s liaison to the FAA; the motion passed unanimously. Later, Commissioner Vargas moved to approve the VCAP for submission to the FAA; that motion also passed unanimously. Staff told the board no additional instructions were required beyond submission.

The meeting adjourned with the chair wishing attendees a Happy New Year. The VCAP is now the county’s formal response to the FAA complaint and will be evaluated by the agency under the Part 13 process; further staff follow‑up and any FAA determinations will be reported to the board.