Supporters say it will provide jobs, not only at the company but also at businesses that will build near the airport so they can use the shipping service. Bill Shoemaker, a north Greensboro resident and supporter of the proposed hub, said he doesn't think airport noise will be as bad as opponents of the hub suggest. And whatever extra noise and pollution the hub does cost the Triad, it will be outweighed by the economic advantages FedEx will offer. Yes, we do. But this is just a good opportunity that came along that can attract other industries.
Engines are more efficient, and they have quieter planes.
But opponents of the hub say FedEx will hurt the community more than it would help, by waking people with overnight takeoffs and landings and polluting air and water. At the rally, opponents of the hub stood in lines to sign a petition expressing opposition to FedEx. A clown entertained children, as their parents filled three sets of bleachers in the gymnasium to listen to the rally's speakers. But after visiting and reading about other cities whose airports house large shipping hubs, as in Memphis, Indianapolis and Louisville, he's no longer willing to consider it an option. And once Guilford County residents get the facts about FedEx, Happel said, they won't consider it either.