[netdragon]

I wouldn't mind seeing Dobbins Air Force base moved out to. Perhaps Cartersville or some other town out there would like it. I just don't think it fits in around here -- it's such an eyesore and is hogging some prime real estate.

What would it mean for Atlanta if Dobbins Air Force base was moved out into a more rural area maybe 40 miles further out? I imagine there would be some negative effects (on industry like Lockheed around the base) and positive effects (on non-industrial real estate and more land for Smyrna and Marietta to expand into). Do you think that the benefits would outweigh the losses in moving Dobbins further out from Atlanta? Also, what would it take for the government to agree to relocate the base?

[Rail Claimore]

If they moved out to some other airfield, I'd look for Dobbins to be set up as the metro area's second airport. Southwest and other carriers would love to get a foothold in Atlanta.

It also has most of the necessary infrastructure needed. I believe the current runway at Dobbins is longer than all but the longest runway at Hartsfield. It has excellent roadway access from I-75: Delk Road is limited access from the interstate to the air base. All it needs is a terminal.

The only problem I forsee is that the neighboring communities might not want a commercial airport near where they live. It would be a fight within Cobb County between the nearby residents and other residents and commerical interests that would want the airport converted. How much air traffic does it get anyway?

[ThrashATL]

The point is moot as long as Lockheed is in business there and there is no AFB, it's an ARB only.

[dante2308]

Why move out the base? Its lost in sprawl anyway and I certainly wouldn't like to commute to Lockhead another 40 miles out. Its also nice to have F-22s watching over the city for us.

[slinkster65]

There is no way residents here would be happy with an airport there. And I don't see anyway the county lets Dobbins go anywhere. Everything is in place so...

I would much rather deal with the fighters and stuff than with tons of commerical/passenger planes. I live maybe 10 miles from Dobbins.

[Hybrid0NE]

I live in the Cumberland area and I enjoy seeing the F-16s speed overhead. Plus, I'd hate to see that nice vista of Kennesaw Mountain from Cobb Parkway northbound dissappear if Marietta builds another edge city in it's space.

[netdragon]

What about turning some of it into an airstrip for commuter planes, and Lockheed -- then reclaiming most of the land for redevelopment? I live right nearby, so I hear planes all the time coming from Dobbins. Personally, I'd rather there be no airstrip at all. Do we gain that much from having Lockheed nearby that we wouldn't gain from a large commercial park in place of Dobbins?

[neilson]

I wouldn't mind seeing Dobbins Air Force base moved out to. Perhaps Cartersville or some other town out there would like it. I just don't think it fits in around here -- it's such an eyesore and is hogging some prime real estate.

What would it mean for Atlanta if Dobbins Air Force base was moved out into a more rural area maybe 40 miles further out? I imagine there would be some negative effects (on industry like Lockheed around the base) and positive effects (on non-industrial real estate and more land for Smyrna and Marietta to expand into). Do you think that the benefits would outweigh the losses in moving Dobbins further out from Atlanta? Also, what would it take for the government to agree to relocate the base?
Lockheed Martin(Marietta) is awesome. You're not gonna see anything happen to mess up Lockheed unless Lockheed does it to themselves.

[netdragon]

Does Lockheed really need all of Dobbins? For example, Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT gave up space it wasn't using, and the UConn stadium was built on that space, along with a future tech park (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=east+hartford,+ct&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=15&ll=41.7583,-72.62053&spn=0.014182,0.028238&t=h&iwloc=addr). When I look at the airfield, a lot of it seems like unused land. Assuming that Dobbins always remains where it is, couldn't some of the land be taken over for Smyrna expansion, for instance, without impacting Lockheed's operations?

[neilson]

Does Lockheed really need all of Dobbins? For example, Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT gave up space it wasn't using, and the UConn stadium was built on that space, along with a future tech park (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=east+hartford,+ct&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=15&ll=41.7583,-72.62053&spn=0.014182,0.028238&t=h&iwloc=addr). When I look at the airfield, a lot of it seems like unused land. Assuming that Dobbins always remains where it is, couldn't some of the land be taken over for Smyrna expansion, for instance, without impacting Lockheed's operations?
Lockheed has a lot of specialized operations at Dobbins. A lot of defense oriented operations. The only place in GA I could possibly think would be able to handle the load besides Dobbins would be Robins AFB down in Warner Robins, and they're already loaded up pretty good with the AF's Logistics Operations.

[MarketsWork]

Does Lockheed really need all of Dobbins? For example, Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT gave up space it wasn't using, and the UConn stadium was built on that space, along with a future tech park (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=east+hartford,+ct&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=15&ll=41.7583,-72.62053&spn=0.014182,0.028238&t=h&iwloc=addr). When I look at the airfield, a lot of it seems like unused land. Assuming that Dobbins always remains where it is, couldn't some of the land be taken over for Smyrna expansion, for instance, without impacting Lockheed's operations?

The "Lockheed" plant does not actually belong to Lockheed Martin, so it is not Lockheed's decision to "give up" any excess or unused space. The facility is officially known as Air Force Plant 6, and is leased by the USAF to Lockheed Martin to operate. Bell was the original tenant during World War II, and built B-29 bombers there. Since this facility is a strategic national defense asset, its relocation would be a very complicated and expensive matter.

[neilson]

The "Lockheed" plant does not actually belong to Lockheed Martin, so it is not Lockheed's decision to "give up" any excess or unused space. The facility is officially known as Air Force Plant 6, and is leased by the USAF to Lockheed Martin to operate. Bell was the original tenant during World War II, and built B-29 bombers there. Since this facility is a strategic national defense asset, its relocation would be a very complicated and expensive matter.
So, Martin Marietta was named for Marietta, GA? It's funny because for years I thought it was having to do with Marietta, OH.

Anyways, we owe a lot of our defense to the power of what is today Lockheed Martin. We also owe Lockheed a debt of thanks for taking actions that led the Federal Gov't to create the American Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, which made it illegal for American persons and entities to bribe foreign government officials.

[ATLksuGUY]

So, Martin Marietta was named for Marietta, GA? It's funny because for years I thought it was having to do with Marietta, OH.

Anyways, we owe a lot of our defense to the power of what is today Lockheed Martin. We also owe Lockheed a debt of thanks for taking actions that led the Federal Gov't to create the American Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, which made it illegal for American persons and entities to bribe foreign government officials.

If we move lockheed, ( they build the F-22 at lockheeds martin marrietta only place) were screwed. !