Middleton commission pushes for clearer public-access, valuation and nondiscrimination terms in Capital Flight lease

The Middleton Airport Commission on Dec. 4 reviewed a draft land‑lease and development proposal from Capital Flight that would permit an SASO or FBO use and include a public viewing or park area, and voted to continue discussions pending more detail.

Commissioners pressed Capital Flight to provide a detailed description of how the proposed building would be used and when the public would have access, saying that clarity on public‑access amenities, parking arrangements and any alcohol or event controls is needed before the commission signs off. Commissioner Charles noted that broad lease language offers flexibility but asked for guardrails to prevent events from interfering with airport operations.

Matt Fleming, representing Capital Flight, said the proposal balances aviation needs and public benefit, describing the space as both additional hangar capacity and an event venue that could host larger community gatherings. "This satisfies both components — hangar space for aviation and a substantial economic driver for Middleton," Fleming said. He and the agreement’s attorney said they had discussed preliminary park concepts with Mead & Hunt and believe a viewing area is feasible subject to FAA and BOA review.

Commissioners also raised legal and financial safeguards. They asked that repossession language (the city’s right to reclaim land if needed for terminal expansion) include a dispute‑resolution or third‑party valuation process rather than rely solely on a city assessment. "It is reasonable to have some mutually agreed third‑party assessment so the people doing the taking are not the ones deciding value," a commissioner said.

The commission identified a housekeeping matter in the draft lease: nondiscrimination language currently mirrors a long-standing hangar template and omits some protected categories referenced elsewhere. The attorney for the proposal said he would review and, if desired and lawful, adjust the clause to reflect applicable protections.

After extended discussion of use cases, parking, zoning and how future changes in tenancy would be handled, Commissioner Myers moved and the commission seconded a motion to continue work on the proposal and provide staff and Capital Flight direction to proceed; the motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Capital Flight agreed to supply a more detailed description of intended uses and public‑access arrangements; staff will circulate redlines and coordinate review with Mead & Hunt, the planning commission, BOA and the FAA on any park or fence‑line changes. The commission will revisit the lease when that information is available.