SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale Airport Commission discussed an opportunity to acquire 10 acres of adjacent land Friday.
The three properties are along the northwest part of the Springdale Municipal Airport, said Neil Johnson, commission chairman.
Springdale Municipal Airport
The following numbers show takeoffs and landings during control tower hours:
• 2,308: April 2015
• 1,967: April 2014
• 2,049: April 2013
• 1,677: April 2012
• 2,050: April 2011
• 2,602: April 2010
Source: Springdale Airport Commission
Johnson wanted to find out if the commission was interested in buying the properties. Johnson works as a developer and has spoken to some of his real estate contacts about the parcels, he said.
One of the properties, 819 E. Emma Ave., is owned by Jack and Bonnie Hoffarth, according to the Washington County assessor's office online property records. The other two properties, owned by Lester and Marilyn Stevenson, have Strawberry Meadows Place directly to the west. The larger of the two properties owned by the Stevensons is 9.13 acres.
Johnson explained the properties would give the airport a connection to Emma Avenue. He also speculated an apartment complex could be built there if someone else purchases it.
Micah Thomason, vice chairman of the commission, said the property could be needed in the future to accommodate growth. He mentioned a terminal and more hangars as examples.
Commissioner Greg Willoughby said buying the land also could help the airport with potential security issues. He explained people have gotten through the fence in that part of the airport's property before. This could become an issue if someone builds an apartment complex on the property.
Johnson doesn't know how much the properties would cost but said the airport doesn't have the money to purchase them. The airport relies mostly on grants for projects, he said.
Johnson has been speaking with a member of the Arkansas Legislature. Wyman Morgan, city director of finance and administration, said he can't see the commission affording the land without money from the state. Officials could ask legislators for the needed money, he said.
Johnson said his next step will be to speak with his legislative contact to learn more about funding and see if the commission can "attract" money from the Legislature.
Commissioners also looked at the three properties at least 15 years ago, but they instead purchased 13 acres on the southwest end of the airport, Johnson said. The last property the airport acquired was 7 acres about seven years ago on the south end of the airport.
NW News on 05/30/2015