Newsmaker: Briscoe Field Expansion

ATLANTA - There's been talk for years about a secondary commercial airport to ease travel congestion at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Briscoe Field has been one of the airports in that discussion.

Gwinnett County officials are looking at privatizing Briscoe Field, which could mean a larger airport that would accommodate large planes and many more flights.

Proponents say the plan would create jobs and boost the local economy but many residents say they don't want the large airport in their backyards, citing noise, traffic and declining real estate values.

Lawrenceville Councilman Mike Crow and Brett Smith, the managing director of Propeller Investments discussed the issue at the FOX 5 studios Tuesday.

American Airports Corporation and Gwinnett Airport, LLC have also submitted proposals for Briscoe Field.

The Gwinnett County commission can decide to keep Briscoe Field as a county operated general aviation airport, privatize it as a general aviation airport or privatize it with the addition of commercial passenger service.

The county commission was asked to comment on plans for Briscoe Field but calls were not returned.