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Airport kicks off phase 2 of approach mitigation, plans outreach to 25 property owners
Summary
Staff presented narrowed scope for approach mitigation, identifying about 25 properties for tree removal or easements and describing a phased outreach and appraisal process before purchases or removals.
Airport staff told the commission they have narrowed a previous, larger study to a more focused list of about 25 properties that could be affected by approach mitigation work tied to instrument approach safety requirements. The work discussed includes negotiating easements, removing or replacing trees, and targeted trimming to meet FAA approach-surface requirements.
Staff said they had reanalyzed earlier planning work and reduced the list from a much larger number to roughly 25 properties in the primary impact area. The commission was told the project would likely proceed in phases: Phase 2 would include outreach, appraisals and, where necessary, purchase of easements before removal and replacement work.
Commissioners asked whether some trees fall inside existing easements and whether the airport might be able to clear vegetation without additional purchases. Staff said several properties already include easements and that in other locations a mix of appraisal-based easement purchases and targeted individual tree removal could be used.
Staff said the consultant will begin outreach to property owners to determine what owners will accept in exchange for easements and to inventory preferences (for example, remove-and-replace plantings, low-growth species approved by the local electric utility). The staff presentation noted that some homeowners built up to existing easement lines and that historical easements date back decades.
Funding and regulatory questions were discussed. Staff said they will examine the environmental-assessment (EA) requirements, identify what local input is needed before bringing an item to city council and obtain appraiser guidance to estimate easement costs. Commissioners and staff discussed potential timelines for appraisals and the possibility of using state partners (for example, TDOT) to help fund clearing operations for critical areas.
Staff emphasized outreach and negotiation. Commissioners asked for clear public-notice and engagement steps once the consultant identifies property-specific proposals.
