Despite opposition by vocal residents, the Bartow City Commission by unanimous vote has cleared the annexation of the Bartow Executive Airport.
In a 5-0 vote, the commission approved bringing the airbase into its confines on Oct. 20, despite resident concerns that the geopolitical decision will usher in new housing developments to the surrounding area, clog local roadways, alter wetlands, threaten wildlife, delay police and fire response in the area and destroy their quality of life.
In the end, commissioners said the increase in the city’s tax base would outweigh the potential negatives raised by residents. All while residents and some elected officials have questioned the timing of the airport annexation, linking it to several pending subdivision proposals…