By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor
KEYSER — Representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration were in Keyser Thursday to inspect the new helipad at Potomac Valley Hospital.
While in town, they also met briefly with the group of Pin Oak area residents who have filed a complaint against the helipad, charging that it was constructed without the necessary paperwork from either the FAA or local government.
PVH administrator Mike Makosky told the News-Tribune Monday, however, that all the necessary paperwork had been completed.
“As far as I know, we had all the permits; the building permits from the county and the application with the FAA,” he said.
Makosky said he felt Thursday's visit was a followup inspection required by the FAA.
Neighborhood spokesman Charlie Hartman said the FAA representative also met with a small group of neighbors Thursday and confirmed that their complaint was on file with the agency.
“He visited the site and took pictures and measurements,” he said.
Hartman and a small group of neighbors took their concerns to the Mineral County Commission last week, saying they did not feel the area was safe for a helicopter landing pad.
“The helipad at Potomac Valley Hospital is located less than 30 feet from a tree-lined hillside .. and less than 75 feet from a mobile MRI unit,” Hartman said, noting the proximity to an oxygen tank and the exterior wall of the hospital building, as well.
“It's in a congested parking lot behind the hospital .... and within 300 yards of a doctor's office, a motel, a bank” and other structures. “There are more than 60 homes within 400 yards,” he added.
“We feel that all these items combined are sincerely a recipe for disaster.”
Hartman also said the FAA representative confirmed that their concern is with the helipad itself and the safety of any aircraft flying in or out. Any concerns the neighbors might have about the safety of the neighborhood falls under the jurisdiction of the county officials.
Makosky expects to hear back from the FAA within the next couple of weeks.
Keyser, W.Va. —
