50-Year Development Lease Approved At OKB

Airport Property Ventures has been awarded a 50-year "development lease" for improvements at the Oceanside, CA airport. Passed by a 4-1 vote, the Oceanside City Council action marks a major step in securing the airport's future.

Bill Dunn, vice president of local airport advocacy for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, said the November 12 vote "is a tremendously important step for the preservation of this embattled airport. Pilots at Oceanside and AOPA have fought efforts to close the field for years. If Airport Property Ventures can fulfill its promises, we could see Oceanside thrive for decades to come."

Airport Property Ventures has promised to spend $21 million on airport improvements at Oceanside over the next 25 years, AOPA said. APV, a Los Angeles-based company, includes former executives of the agency that runs Los Angeles International Airport.

AOPA has been working for several years in the airport's best interests, partnering with the Oceanside Airport Association and airport users to fend off attempts to sell airport property and fight restrictions on airport usage.

Oceanside airport supporters have logged several wins in the last few years, beginning when AOPA spearheaded an education campaign in 2006 that contributed to pro-airport council members being elected to office.

The next milestone was reached in January of 2007, when the Federal Aviation Administration made it clear to the city that because the airport was supported by federal funds appropriated specifically for airport development, it must continue "in perpetuity."

More recently, the FAA shot down the city's request to sell 15 acres of land adjoining the airport, preserving the tract for airport expansion.

"Small public airfields are a community resource," Oceanside Airport Association President Ben Meyers said. "We have a duty to give our time and money to preserve the airport and keep aviation alive in Oceanside for generations to come."

FMI: www.aopa.org, www.oceansideairport.org