The Martha’s Vineyard Airport reported a major jam-up of private jet traffic over the weekend, much of it stemming from President Barack Obama’s 60th birthday bash. Airport manager Geoffrey Freeman said private jets crowded the tarmac at the small airport all weekend, draining fuel supplies.
The Martha’s Vineyard Airport reported a major jam-up of private jet traffic over the weekend, much of it stemming from President Barack Obama’s 60th birthday bash, held Saturday.
Airport manager Geoffrey Freeman said private jets crowded the tarmac at the small airport all weekend, draining fuel supplies and straining staff.
“Traffic was very increased, due to the party,” Mr. Freeman said. “Thankfully it wasn’t the fully-fledged party that it was originally planned as, because it would have put us way beyond our capacity, both for fuel and for parking spacing.”
The large private party at the Obama home in Edgartown sparked a media frenzy last week and prompted wider concerns around public health as Covid-19 cases began to stage a comeback on the Vineyard. By midweek, spokesmen for the Obamas announced that the party would be scaled back due to concerns about the Delta variant and the spread of Covid.
A dis-invitation was emailed to guests, saying the party would only include family and close friends. But spokesmen for the Obama office would not confirm the actual size of the party or the extent to which it would be downsized.
The party continued to stir frenzy on social media all weekend, as guests, including many celebrities, streamed onto the Island.
Mr. Freeman said the airport was running low on fuel after the high volume of jet traffic over the weekend.
Nantucket recently had to shut down parts of its airport operation after running out of jet fuel.
“We have not run out, as of yet, however we are running extremely low right now,” Mr. Freeman said. “Just the amount of fuel sales that were done Friday, Saturday, Sunday, we’re pushing it. Our delivery today has already gone into planes.”
Although overall airport traffic is essentially on a par with 2019 numbers from July, Mr. Freeman said, the weekend and summer have seen a rise in private jet travel.
“There was definitely an increase in jet traffic related to [the Obama birthday] event,” Mr. Freeman said. “But the summer as a whole has been busy.”
He also confirmed that West Tisbury and state police responded to a group of unruly passengers who left a JetBlue flight over the weekend. Police made no arrests, and the investigation is being handled by state police, according to West Tisbury police Lieut. Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter 3rd.
“The persons in question were allowed to leave,” Mr. Freeman said.
In a statement emailed to the Gazette Monday, state police spokesman David Procopio said troopers responded to the airport on Thursday at 1:35 p.m. for a report of four unruly passengers who had arrived on a Jet Blue Flight from Boston. The passengers, who had been detained inside the airport by West Tisbury police, were a 22-year-old male from Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and three males from Jupiter, Fla., ages 20, 21, and 22, the statement said.
“Upon interviewing a member of the flight crew and a Jet Blue terminal supervisor, we learned that the four men had been very disruptive to passengers, disrespectful to airline staff, and failed to wear their face masks in the manner required by Jet Blue policy and FAA regulations while on board the flight,” the statement said in part.
No criminal charges were filed, and the passengers were released, the statement said. They were scheduled to depart the Island on Monday, it also said.
Island police were kept busy all weekend too, although no major incidents were reported.
Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee said there were no incidents related to President Obama’s party Saturday, although he reported an increase in traffic surrounding the event. Fireworks displays off Chappaquiddick and West Chop had no connection to the event, Chief McNamee said.
Police were stationed near the Obama family property in the Katama area for traffic control.
“There was no shortage of traffic over that way, by the party,” Chief McNamee said.
“And no shortage of people on the Island this weekend.”
Comments
What is the noise ordinance
Mike EdgartownWhat is the noise ordinance in Edgartown?
Silly question. You don't
T Bone Oak BluffsSilly question. You don't think a warning would be issued before a fine? Like any other island party.
This article is really an
Ted IslanderThis article is really an indictment on the airport for not properly managing their capacity and resources. I suggest airport leadership get a better understanding of how many jets they can effectively accept on a summer weekend and implement policies for a smoother operation. I would think something like this is part of the "Run an Airport 101" handbook.
::shrugs::
That's a lot of carbon being
Vasha Brunelle Vineyard HavenThat's a lot of carbon being released.
What a bunch of hypocrites!!!
Wendy matticr JohnstownWhat a bunch of hypocrites!!!
How do you expect the folks
Linda BostonHow do you expect the folks to arrive on the Island in a dingy? They have every right to fly in on they're Jet planes. I wish I had one... what's the big deal.....
Well they could have arrived
Ron EdgartownWell they could have arrived by commercial aircraft or even --heaven forbid --by using the Steamship Authority. I agree that there is nothing inherently wrong with private jets. However, many of these people--including the former President himself-- are the same people who lecture the rest of us about our carbon footprint and Covid precautions. Their actions would suggest that what they are telling us about both of these subjects is without scientific merit.
They have every right to fly
Josh UKThey have every right to fly in. Until they begin to lecture others on climate change and carbon emissions.
Obama arranged vegan food because meat apparently kills the planet. But he held a pointless party in which most people turned up on private jets. Literally the most energy intesive form of transport.
Major hypocrisy here.
Down IslanderMajor hypocrisy here.
I seriously doubt thtat they "downgraded" anything. The supplies were all ordered and caterers cannot turn on a dime. Either that, or huge amounts of food were wasted or were given to the "help."
My principal question:
Who paid for the house?
Who pays for a party like this?
How much did it cost?
How did Obama go from “community organizer” to Illinois senator to president to owning a $12 million house on Martha’s Vineyard (of which the upkeep is also nothing to sneeze at).
Can you spell “Lincoln Bedroom”?
Simple: book deals, Netflix
Washashore EdgartownSimple: book deals, Netflix deal, and speaking engagements. Google it. Any other conspiracy theories need debunking?
How do they afford an 11.75
Thomas Hodgson wtHow do they afford an 11.75 million dollar house? Perhaps you are unaware that back in 2017 their publishers gave them a $65M advance for their memoirs? They were well able to afford their Vineyard place, and upkeep will not be a problem.
Does anyone have a story to
edward spalding Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownDoes anyone have a story to tell that is worth a $65m advance? Really? But this is what all ex-presidents particularly those with a modest net worth do [have done for them], or should I say this is what big business does-that $65m didn't just come from a single source, one way or another. Compensation and retirement plans for our top executives are rediculous in the first place, insulting to the recipients so while the money doesn't really bother me, but the process is corrupt. What should any ex-president of the greatest country in the world live in. It is hypocritical but money and success spoil all but a very few of us humans and it is these genetics that will likely lead to the demise of humanity - anybody see the UN global warming report yesterday, does anybody care, the right wingers will have their heads buried in the sand til the very end. Virtually every trend has tipping point where the trend accelerates dramatically. With regard to global warming we haven't passed it yet and when we do it will be dramatic.
Let him celebrate his
Jn Washington DCLet him celebrate his milestone the way he wants. He is not trying to make a political statement or any of the other criticisms stated. He is having a party to celebrate his birthday with family and friends. (Not and unmasked political RALLY!!!!
My twin sister and I planned the same last year for our 70th BD, but had to cancel it because the venue was closed because of covid. Wish we had thought of a tent.
Why worry about how he can afford a party or where they are getting the money from.
How critical and jealous one can be if it is not yourself or a friend or relative. If you were one of his friends and would have been invited you would not be posting these stupid, jealous, none of your business post. Get a life. Yes, I have a life, reading and able to respond because i and riding back from MV.
To those posting about what could have been done with the money. First post what contributions you have made for the same causes.
Obama's jet-setting
Ben West TisburyObama's jet-setting celebrities explained they offset their carbon footprints by eating the meatless dinners served at the party.
So in the 15 years we have
Cunningham KatamaSo in the 15 years we have owned out here in katama never before have we not been able to get our weekly trash picked up….. I’m assuming cleaning up the obamas residence from there modified “Family and close friends “ extravaganza was a priority vs those loyal seasonal clients? Way to make friends Obama’s…. Way to lose clients abc rubbish removal
It’s Obama’s fault your trash
august west edgartownIt’s Obama’s fault your trash didn’t picked up on tine?
Life is tough in Katama!
edward spalding Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownLife is tough in Katama!
WOW....even after the scale
Priscilla HawaiiWOW....even after the scale-back there were A LOT of Hollywood Elites still but I hope that family & close friends really did include family & close friends! But I did recognize his Sister & Family from Hawaii and MO’s Brother Craig! Lastly...I wonder if anyone who attended the party test positive for Covid19 in a week or so have to keep that under-wraps too?!?!
These party attendees are the
here we go again edgThese party attendees are the same ones telling me I need an electric (coal powered) car, yet come here in there private Jet that burns 500 gallons of fuel per hour. How about calling a hypocrite what it is
You sir are playing the
Joe EGYou sir are playing the victim! Like someone said how in the hell do you want them to get to the island swim? If I had a private jet I wouldn’t fly with the morons who don’t want to mask up on commercial planes and who are vaccine denying fools! If you want a gas guzzler have at it. Just stop complaining all the damn time! If an investment banker has a blowout party in Edgartown you say nothing. Get over it!
You are 100 percent correct
Annoyed EdgartownYou are 100 percent correct and anyone who defends the hypocrisy needs to stop blindly defending these people. It’s gross -
I suspect the reason Obama
mark acker TisburyI suspect the reason Obama gets so much heat is because he really does not mingle with Islanders, like Bill Clinton did. I have yet to see one event in which Obama has contributed to our Island life. It seems he is only attracted to wealth, power, or celebrity status. Not exactly a reputation I would want to be known for.
This an example of damned if
Washashore EdgartownThis an example of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Have you seen the throngs of people that are attracted when he or his wife appears in public, and the traffic jams that result? I’d bet they’re trying to maintain a low profile so as not to attract the litany of complaints from islanders who are inconvenienced whenever he shows his face. People like you will always find a reason to complain, manufactured or not.
Based on the size of the tent
ex islander Main Land USABased on the size of the tent(s) from the news media I don't think the party was scaled down too much. Had to make it appear that way to be politically correct. Lived on the island for 20 years and enjoyed every minute but sounds like we left at the right time. Enjoying the north shore, Maine and beyond without the craziness. Lots to explore. Happy Birthday Mr. President.
But also pumping thousands of
Jefff OBBut also pumping thousands of dollars into the local economy including fuel for the jets purchased at MVY. Can people just get over themselves? It is unbelievable to me how much people care to be involved with other peoples business while doing the opposite themselves in their own personal life. After reading so many of these self indulging comments and observations, who the heck would ever want to live here, let alone live close to many of you?! The arrogance is stifling .
What Obama does is news
AB OBWhat Obama does is news because of who he is. There are wealthier people that have huge homes on this Island. We never hear what they do or hear about their parties. I don't know how fuel is stored at the airport. Could they have ordered extra or not? I see so much anger towards wealthy people on this Island. We wouldn't survive without their money and that of the tourists.
Many are faulting Obama for
JayEff EdgartownMany are faulting Obama for having the party after all the Covid/Delta news. They probably started planning the bash in May when Covid restrictions were easing and things looked good for an August party. They did scale it down but people came anyway. And all the protocols were in place. It was probably safer than a beer at the Wharf.
We do wish some of the celebs stayed and spent some money. The added demand on airport resources was predictable. Would have been nice if Mr. Freeman said they expected the surge of traffic and planned for it.
One of a few intelligent
edward spalding Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownOne of a few intelligent comments.
Well said, plan ahead for
Patt Popple HoldenWell said, plan ahead for these well publicized events. Yep, many wealthy people on island and I bet they have big parties too.
I just find it so
Ex Islander FalmouthI just find it so hypocritical that Obama railed against the 1% during his 8 years, yet is living exactly that life - He only hangs with the 1% crowd - Finally, we are all allowed to have a big birthday party- Just don't hide behind your "fake & righteous" soapbox
BTW - The carbon footprint with all the fancy jets and what not was exponential - fly commercial and help the environment please
I don’t doubt that the Obama
klw West TisburyI don’t doubt that the Obama party created a huge “carbon footprint.” But, like it or not, the island’s current resort and second home economy is overwhelmingly dependent on excessive consumption. Huge houses are being built, contractor and landscape vehicles clog our roadways, harbors are filled with gas-guzzling motor boats, the steamship is running more and more trips. Every item, from t-shirts to high end artwork must arrive here via an added step in carbon producing transportation. It’s easy to blame one event for not practicing what they preach, but in the end we are all hypocrites.
We are a community that has
Not as bitter West TisburyWe are a community that has built its wealth around the very people you are bashing…. Who are really the hypocrites? And every president comes out of the job with book tours and money so why should Obama be different? And your garbage isn’t getting picked up because there are no employees this summer. Come on people.
Totally agree. Such sour
Mark VHTotally agree. Such sour grapes being foisted upon us by so many here. Sounds like jealous bunch to me.
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