Ariz. official sues over growth near Luke

[unhappycamper]

Ariz. official sues over growth near Luke
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Aug 13, 2008 16:32:58 EDT

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard has filed a lawsuit against Maricopa County alleging it is failing to comply with a state law designed to protect Luke Air Force Base from nearby development.

Maricopa countered by asking a judge to rule on the constitutionality of a state law that restricts landowners from developing homes around the base and an auxiliary airfield about 30 miles northwest of the Glendale base.

The legal battle unleashed Tuesday is the latest salvo in an intergovernmental clash that pits concerns for private property rights against worries about Luke’s future.

“I can’t take somebody’s property rights away from them without giving them some sort of compensation,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Tom Wilson, who represents the area.

Goddard said cities near the base — which trains F-16 fighter pilots and has more than 150 of the jets — have taken steps to stop development that might crimp its ability to fly jets.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/08/ap_luke_lawsuit_081308/

[Captain Hilts]

1. Don't wait until it's too late, like in Virginia Beach. nt