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Residents press county for transparency on airport plans as FAA process continues

5829351 · August 12, 2025

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Summary

Public commenters at the Aug. 12 Cape May County commissioners meeting pressed officials for more information about long-range plans for the county airport, the board's decision not to renew the DRBA agreement and the timing of FAA filings; county staff said detailed comment was limited until the FAA application is filed.

Several residents urged the Cape May County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 to provide more public detail about potential development and management changes at the Cape May County Airport as the county continues work with the Federal Aviation Administration. The remarks came during the meeting’s public-comment period. Lisa Rippo of Wildwood Crest asked whether there had been discussion of moving the county prosecutor’s office to the airport complex and whether that had been considered as an alternative to a previously discussed multimillion-dollar facility; Commissioner Morey said he had no knowledge of such a proposal. Mike Gerrick of Wildwood Crest asked when the public would see detailed plans for the airport and whether there would be a forum before commitments are made. County Administrator Kevin Lare said the board is in a “lengthy process with the FAA” and that the county’s Special Aviation Counsel advised staff not to comment in detail until the FAA application is filed. Lare said the county has discussed economic-development concepts including mixed-income housing and “long-term revenue producing opportunity” at the complex but did not provide a site plan or timeline in the meeting record. Gerrick also asked what will replace the Delaware River and Bay Authority’s (DRBA) role; Mr. Lare said the board concluded the airport is county land and that the county understands local interests better than a bi-state authority. Multiple public commenters told commissioners they want earlier and clearer public engagement on scope and costs; Mary Fox of Cape May said the county must show it has the expertise to manage large development projects and urged greater transparency. No formal board action on airport management or development was recorded at the Aug. 12 meeting. County Counsel Jeffrey Lindsay was not present and staff said they were following advice not to discuss the FAA application details publicly until it is filed. The record includes public concern about potential costs and replacements for the DRBA role but does not contain final plans, funding commitments, FAA application contents, or an approved development program.