As Lawsuit Moves Onward, Ogden City Makes A Play

Ogden, Utah pilots got some news this week when the city issued a new round of offers to leasees amid a lawsuit between the Ogden Regional Airport Association.

The letter essentially offers current tenants a chance to enter into a hangar lease with the city, only if they waive, settle, and release any claims they may have related to previous leases and renewals. 

President Emeritus of the ORAA, Ed McKenney, sounded the clarion call to members, advising them that entering into the lease would give up their claim in the ongoing lawsuit. The issue at hand lies in the city's desire to cease routine lease renewals in order to demolish hangars and redevelop land. The rub lies in the fact that some owners of decades-old hangars own the property outright, and lease the land underneath. The ORAA argued in court that the move amounts to unconstitutional government taking of their property, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in value being swept aside. The case has been a running issue between the ORAA and the city, and it seems the city has advanced beyond previous 'settlements' with owners, effectively telling tenants to drop the case or leave the airport.

"Ogden City has made several recent offerings to extend leases for five years apparently without regard to hangar age or how much time is left on leases, with one catch, you sign a new lease and an addendum settlement of claims," said McKenney. "Signing this document will preclude the hangar owner from any benefit derived from ORAA's lawsuit which should be compelling. ORAA believes the City is beginning to see the strength of our legal claims and is now in panic mode trying to pick off hangar owners one at a time. In fact it appears Garrett is personally calling each and every hangar owner to make this wolf in sheep's clothing offer."

While McKenney doesn't appreciate the offer, the ORAA is allowing members to chart their own course for their tenantship.

"As always, ORAA advises our members to do what is right for you first. However, with the City's acts of desperation, it is apparent we are moving towards the goal line and will prevail. Signing the City's offer is giving away rights you are very much already entitled to."

FMI: www.ogdencity.com