Airport Authority Votes To Build More Hangars

Fairhope, Alabama




Airport master plan (North is to the right.)

FOR RENTAL INCOME

The city's airport authority voted to construct up to 20 'T' hangars on the east side of the airport; cost will be around $600K but some of that could be covered by grants.

Deposits could be required from a waiting list for hangars; construction could begin later this year.

Negotiations for a ground lease for construction of another private hangar on the west side are ongoing; a term of up to 40 years has been proposed (some feel that is too long).


OTHER MATTERS 

* Approved spending $925 to update the airport's website.
* Discussed refinancing the authority's $6.9 million debt while interest rates are low.


JUNE FINANCIAL STATEMENT




Comments

Kara Illiano said…
Oh great! That is all we need! More airplane noise and pollution! Way to go Fairhope council!
Anonymous said…
The airport makes no sense to me. What is the "Non-Aviation Development" going towards? If we, the taxpayers, are subsidizing an airport for some reason, what are these parcels that are not related to the airport? Are they homes? Businesses? Commercial? Can they remain green space? Why are taxpayers subsidizing this? I don't mind there's an airport, I just don't understand why I'm paying for it.
Anonymous said…
This airport is a convenience for C-suite executives with their own jets, so they don't have to go in and out of PNS/MOB like us ordinary taxpayers.
Anonymous said…
The airport has been a big success and economic benefit to the community.
Anonymous said…
Was this discussion and vote open to the public view?
Anonymous said…
Apparently not successful enough to be self-sustaining.
Anonymous said…
It’s a great way for city council members to get lots of free rides on private jets, and also some get to go visit the Paris Air show. That’s right free tax payer paid visit to the Paris Air show. Corruption 101.
Publisher said…
Airport Authority meetings are recorded and posted on the city's 'You Tube' channel.
Anonymous said…
I'm not opposed to the City of Fairhope having an airport; however, I'm concerned that taxpayers are footing the bill with no return on investment. This topic has been brought up on numerous occasions over the years and no one has actually ever answered the question. I know that the city purchased land adjacent to the airport for $6 million or so and financed it. I was told the land purchase was to support new aviation industrial growth next to the airport and new aviation related businesses would locate to the newly purchased land. However, based on what I've seen it only appears private jet owners are constructing their personal hangers and then leasing them back from the city for 30-40 years. So, Fairhope taxpayers are paying off the $6 million land purchase and according to the attached financial statement are also giving a $360K a year appropriation? Where are the new aviation related businesses? My guess is we will never have the questions answered, the bank note will slowly be paid off at taxpayers expense and more private jets will be stored at the airport for the next 40 years. Someone at the city please retrieve your spine from the closet and tell us (Fairhope citizens) what the real deal is. Thanks...
Publisher said…
Airport finances have always been complicated; see this 2007 report from the old Baldwin Register newspaper that may shed some light: https://www.aviationpros.com/home/news/10384007/airport-authority-gets-millions