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Airport advisory committee recommends city pursue FAA review for proposed garage-condo storage
Summary
The advisory committee voted to recommend that the City Commission direct staff to prepare documents and seek FAA approval for a proposed 44-unit "garage condo" storage development on roughly 3.26 acres of airport-leased land; the developer said the product targets RV and specialty-vehicle owners and would include gated access and a clubhouse.
Chase Edwards, a representative of the applicant, described a "garage condo" concept for airport-leased land that would offer 44 owner units roughly 25 by 50 feet with insulation, air conditioning and optional mezzanine upgrades. "We are offering a garage condo concept," Edwards said, adding the facility would be gated and aimed at owners of RVs, hobby vehicles and attendees of events such as the Amelia airshow.
The Airport Advisory Committee (AEC) discussed site constraints, access and FAA requirements. Staff said the team originally eyed about 9 acres but, because of easements, is presenting roughly 3.26 acres and noted that an appraisal and public notice in the Federal Register are required for non-aeronautical leases. Staff cautioned the FAA must review and approve non-aeronautical uses and that environmental review may be required.
Committee members questioned access and security—Jamestown Road and a perpetual easement on Lindale Road provide multiple entry points—and whether perimeter fencing or additional access control would be necessary to separate the development from aeronautical areas. Edwards said the layout accommodates RV approaches and that parking demand is usually low because owners pull vehicles into their units.
Staff asked the AEC whether it would recommend that the City Commission direct staff to prepare the FAA submittal and negotiate lease documents; a committee member moved to forward that recommendation, another member seconded, members voted in favor and the AEC approved recommending the City Commission allow staff to pursue FAA approval. The motion was presented to the AEC as a recommendation only; the City Commission will make the final decision on any lease or FAA submittal.
The developer noted prior regional development experience and said this would likely be the company's first airport-leased project; committee members noted similar non-aeronautical buildings already exist on airport property in other locations. Staff summarized FAA lease-term guidance—leases should permit amortization of tenant investment and generally do not exceed 49 years—and said exact terms would be negotiated with the FAA if the project advances.
The AEC's recommendation will be included in the materials that staff presents to the City Commission; staff said it will follow up with the applicant on next steps for preparing appraisal and FAA submittal materials.
