The commission agreed to work with the school district to explore selling a portion of airport-owned property adjacent to the Meridian Elementary site so the two parcels could be combined and marketed together to developers. Commission members said the combined parcel would be more attractive for housing development than smaller, separate parcels and could increase taxable parcels in the township.

Airport staff said the land was originally deeded as federal surplus property and that any sale would require an FAA land-release process. "This is going to take a little bit of time on my end, being that I will be working with the FAA in order to get this as a release of land," airport staff said.

Discussion and concerns: Commissioners and staff emphasized pre-sale due diligence. One commissioner noted the need to disclose airport noise to prospective buyers and to preserve a tree buffer along Meridian; another suggested environmental/site assessments and Brownfield status be resolved as part of any sale. A commissioner asked how proceeds would be allocated; staff clarified the airport would sell its parcel and any proceeds would be handled by the airport according to the deed and applicable agreements.

Decision and next step: With no objections raised, the commission said it would tell school district representatives it is "in favor of working with them to sell a part of our property along with their property to create housing, additional housing." Staff will proceed with FAA coordination and report back to the commission as plans and any formal offers progress.

Ending: Commissioners requested that any future sale include provisions for commission review of site plans and that the airport retain approval authority over layout and any conditions that affect airport operations.