After Bronzaft explained how noise can affect health by causing stress, two people told her they worried FedEx could damage the city's two International Home Furnishings Markets. Thousands of the people who travel to High Point to buy and sell the latest furniture lines rent homes for their 10-day stays, because there are not enough hotel rooms. Sally Thompson said she worried the visitors might not return if they rent near the airport and can't sleep. She rents her home off Johnson Street every market. Carl Diforio of north High Point said he also feared driving away the event that has kept the city's downtown flourishing.
FedEx supporters say residents are distorting the potential noise impacts.
They say few homeowners will be driven away by the noise, and that planes will not be as noisy by the time the hub could open in five years. Bronzaft told those gathered Friday, including Mayor Arnold Koonce, state Rep. Steve Wood and Wood's challenger in the May primary, John Blust, that they should fight FedEx. But residents must be willing to stick out a long battle, she said, and possibly pay for it. Bronzaft told them to hire a noise consultant to pick apart a federal report that is expected next month to show the noise impact. The Piedmont Triad Airport Authority is expected to decide later this year whether to invite FedEx, after studying that report.