The proposed plan for the plane: Restore and display on a concrete slab
MONROE — The “Save the Plane” grass roots group will present a plan to the Village of Monroe Board of Trustees next Tuesday which proposes the Korean War era F-86L jet be restored and put on concrete slab to create a permanent public display in a location to be determined.
That announcement came during a meeting this past Tuesday at McGarrah’s Stagecoach Inn, where leaders of the grass roots effort met with about 20 people to discuss next steps prior to the Aug. 27 village board meeting.
The village announced plans to return the jet to the Air Force earlier this month, saying it was a hazard in its current state and a liability to the village. Officials also told the public that with limited funds available, it wouldn’t be fiscally prudent to invest any money into its repairs and ongoing maintenance.
But officials did agree to revisit that decision after public outcry grew.
$20,000 needed to restore
Officials said the group needed to present a comprehensive plan about what it would like to see done with the jet, related costs and how that work would be accomplished at the Aug. 27 meeting in order for it to consider rescinding its decision.
As part of that, the village board asked the Air Force to put a hold on its request to take the jet back pending that presentation. Air Force officials have given the village an Aug. 31 deadline to let it know what it will be doing.
“We gave a rundown of the history, as a lot of things aren’t clear,” said Keri Nygren, one of the group’s leaders. “We explained what we are allowed to do. We went over what needs to be done and who has skills in the areas and we went over quotes.”
The group estimates it will take approximately $20,000 to restore the jet “and that’s a high number,” she said.
Currently, public donations to support the effort are almost $8,500.
Nygren was pleased those who attended expressed a willingness to volunteer their time to help make the restoration a reality.
The jet is currently sitting in a state of disrepair in the rear of the Ford Dally Park, more commonly known as Airplane Park, since that’s where the jet has been parked for the past 50 years.
Generations of village residents and friends played on that plane, which initially featured a slide. Photos showing happy kids sitting in the jet’s cockpit and sitting on its wings continue to be posted on the group’s Facebook page.
‘Static display’
But what was publicly unknown until last week is that according to the terms of the agreement, the jet was loaned to the village to be used only for “static display” purposes in the park. So for the past half century, the jet was wrongly used as a play item.
Village Mayor Jim Purcell encouraged residents to attend the Aug. 27 meeting because he planned to present the jet’s full history, knowing people will want to know how and why it was allowed to have been piece of playground equipment for the past 50 years.
While many have a sentimental bias toward having the jet continue to be a play park item, that seems to have evolved into understanding that going forward the terms of the agreement must be adhered to, Nygren said.
“They’re very, very willing, they want to keep this plane,” she said. “It means a lot to them. It made me feel a lot better especially after last night, to see people willing to do the work.”
Prelude meeting
A private meeting with grassroots leaders and Village Trustee Wayne Chan will take place this Sunday, Aug. 25, as a prelude to the Aug. 27 meeting.
“That meeting is to relay messages properly so there’s no mix-up,” said Nygren. “I’m hoping we’ll hear a little of what they’re expecting so we can modify things if need be.”
Nygren said she is optimistic the village will rescind its vote and keep the jet.
“Overall, it’s been two and a half weeks, so much has gotten done, it’s been incredible, it wouldn’t have been possible without public input,” she said. “I can’t see this being turned down. We appreciate the village’s cooperation. I hope it continues over into their votes.”
By Nancy Kriz