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The debate came into play in April when Sebewaing resident Don Martin presented the Sebewaing Village council and Sebewaing Township Council with a letter stating the Sebewaing Airport is not a commercial airport and shouldn't be supported by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the airport is a recreation flying airport and the airport is managed by local government (the township) and that "should mean taxpaying citizens."

According to Martin, some residents in the subdivision (including Davis, Pitcher and Grover Streets) objected when the marina was built and the property lines were rearranged.

"We were told by the Harbor Commission years ago and promised the road would be there for our use," he said. "That was a promise not kept."

"If a train blocks the road out of our subdivision... we can't get out of here."

"There's nothing in writing about residents using the road," said Sebewaing Township Supervisor Willet Oeschger.

"That road was used during the construction for the contained disposal facility (CDF) for the dredging," added Oeschger.

Oeschger said some residents think the road should be used but it's only for emergency purposes. Martin added residents aren't allowed use the road in case of an emergency.

"The police, fire and ambulance all have a key to access the road in an emergency situation," said Oeschger. "It's not for public use."

He added since 9/11, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has tightened their procedures and rules pertaining to airports and trespassing.

"The Homeland Security and FAA are looking at airports, even small ones, differently since that day."

"We've been telling people to stay out of there," said Sebewaing Police Chief Bill Owens. "Since 9/11, we've been told to strengthen our enforcements about trespassing on the airport grounds."

He added the state and the FAA has statutes about trespassing on airport property.

The Aeronautics Code of the State of Michigan (Act 327 of 1945) states "a person shall not trespass upon an area within the boundary of an approved or licensed airport, landing field or other aeronautical facility."

Person(s) violating this are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than a one-year and/or a fine of not more than $1,000.

"Right now we're informing people of the trespassing... but if it becomes a major problem then we'll have to enforce the law," Owens explained.

He said if the law is enforced and trespassers are cited, it'll be turned over to the prosecutor's office.

According to the FAA, the Sebewaing Airport opened to the public in September 1948 and is owned by Sebewaing Township.