Aviat Westchester Says County Proposal Will Cost County Millions

In what it sees as a one-David-vs.-two-Goliaths battle, Avitat Westchester is challenging a proposal by Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano to give its lease for one of the largest hangars at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY to JPMorgan Chase.

Avitat CEO Michael Dolphin, who told the County Board of Legislators last week Spano's proposal could cost Westchester upwards of $100 million in reduced fees and potential damages if Avitat prevails in litigation against the County concerning the hangar, is now seeking public and business sector support at a hearing scheduled for March 23, at the Michaelian Office building in White Plains.

According to Dolphin, the RFP process for the hangar's lease renewal -- currently scheduled to take effect in March of next year -- was "flawed, violated longstanding County practices and was a retaliatory action against Avitat for complaining about illegal practices at the airport."

Dolphin also questioned the logic in granting such a perk to "a TARP-assisted financial institution that cut its dividend by 87% and eliminated 14,000 jobs," saying he was concerned about the possible "regulatory and/or public reactions."

The projected $200+ million cost on new jets and hangar renovations could require Westchester to find a new lessee during the 30-year term of the lease, Dolphin added. Loss of the existing hangar would force Avitat to cut 30 jobs, or half its workforce at the airport.

JPMorgan Chase leases space at another hanger on the airport, he adds, where it already is housing an existing fleet of planes.

FMI: www.avitatwestchester.com/infopacket.html