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Council approves ODOT aviation grant application; members press airport manager on possible night noise
Summary
Council voted to authorize an ODOT aviation grant application to remove obstructions from Runway 5, a $134,700 project (95% ODOT, $6,735 local match). Council members asked whether the work would increase nighttime operations and noise; Airport Manager Nick Brumbach said IFR capability may allow more night arrivals but staff will track complaints.
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Middletown City Council voted May 19 to authorize an application for an Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Aviation grant to remove obstructions from Runway 5 at Middletown Regional Airport, a project staff estimated at $134,700 with 95% of funding from ODOT and a local share of $6,735.
City Manager Ashley Combs said the airport commission approved the initiative 6‑0 and staff advanced a first‑reading emergency resolution so the city could meet the June 1 grant deadline. ‘‘Runway 5 currently has the restriction of straight‑in Runway 5 NA at night due to tree obstructions affecting the approach surface,’’ Combs said, explaining that removing obstructions would restore instrument flight rules (IFR) access at night and improve operational reliability for corporate aviation and emergency services.
Council members asked whether clearing obstructions could increase overnight traffic and noise for nearby neighborhoods. A council member said the concern was that ‘‘if that starts happening, council’s gonna get some pushback from the neighbors around there trying to sleep overnight and increased noise.’’ Airport Manager Nick Brumbach responded, ‘‘Right now, they can land as VFR; with this being open... these flights could come in at night… we do track everything. If there is noise complaints, please refer them to me.’’ He added the airport hopes improved IFR access will help site‑selection for potential economic development opportunities.
Combs and Brumbach said the grant application must be submitted by June 1 and that, if awarded, the project would proceed in late 2026 or early 2027.
What’s next: Staff will submit the ODOT application by the June 1 deadline and will return to council with any award notice and implementation timeline. Council members asked staff to track and report any increase in nighttime activity and to direct residents to the airport manager for noise complaints.
