Would Have Supported A New Grocery Store Planned For Airport Property

The FAA has denied permission for the extension of a road near the Newport News-Williamsburg (VA) International Airport (KPHF) that had been requested by the airport commission.

The commission had requested approval for the extension as part of a rezoning plan that to allow construction of a grocery store on airport property. The road extension would have eased congestion on other nearby roads once the store was built, according to city officials.

However, the FAA said in a letter obtained by The Daily Press newspaper that it has "very serious concerns about the proposed roadway developments within the RPZ (runway protection zone), particularly since it is within the limits of property owned by the airport. FAA expects the airport to take all reasonable actions, including keeping the land clear of incompatible uses, to meet the RPZ standards ... failure to do so could potentially jeopardize future Airport Improvement Program grants that (the airport) may request from FAA."

But airport executive director Ken Spirito said that the grocery store was just one option for the land, which he said will be developed. Spirito said that there are been several other potential developers looking at the land, and the commission has "plenty of options" to choose from.

The commission is expected to make a decision about which of those proposals to move forward early next year.

FMI: http://flyphf.com/