Cincinnati’s Closure of Blue Ash Airport is Indicative of Municipal Agendas

In a move reminiscent of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s closure of Megis Field, Cincinnati City Manager, Milton Dohoney, has communicated to the FAA the City’s intention to close Blue Ash airport after a land swap deal between the city and the airport fell through.  Because neither the City nor the airport are currently receiving federal grant monies, the FAA cannot require the City to keep the airport open.  (Read the article here)

Cincinnati’s blow to general aviation provides a salient reminder that thanks to the current architecture of New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law, airports across the Garden State could fall victim to a similar fate.  Many general aviation airports in New Jersey operate as pre-existing non-conforming uses in zones that have been significantly altered by municipal governments in the decades since the airports opened.  The current push for revitalization and redevelopment across the state has provided the impetus for municipalities to create areas in need of redevelopment (formerly known as “blighted areas”) and begin condemnation proceedings.  Airports included in such areas could fall victim to the forced sale of their lands to developers.  Aggressive government relations plans and ongoing communication with municipal officials are key measures to prevent adverse government action.  Airports seeking to implement such strategies should consult attorneys experienced in both land use and aviation in order to develop a comprehensive plan.  Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in developing such a plan for your airport.