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Airport commission asks FAA to review proposed vehicle-storage lease for former boneyard
Summary
The Fitchburg Airport Commission voted 3–1 to ask the FAA whether a roughly 30,000 sq. ft. parcel formerly used as a boneyard can be leased to JMAC Asset Recovery for vehicle storage; commissioners expressed concern about non-aviation use, nearby hotel impacts and habitat.
The Fitchburg Airport Commission voted to ask the Federal Aviation Administration whether a roughly 30,000-square-foot parcel that used to be the airport "boneyard" can be leased to JMAC Asset Recovery for vehicle storage.
Airport Manager Russ Cornenia told commissioners the parcel is aviation land and any non-aviation use would require FAA approval. Chair Clayton Raymond said he worried about neighborhood and precedent effects if the city permits vehicle storage on aviation property and noted possible reputational impacts on nearby businesses. "If I were a hotel operator overlooking the neighboring vehicle storage lot, I would frown upon this," Raymond said.
Commissioner Paul Hathaway moved to authorize the manager to approach the FAA about the feasibility of vehicle storage at the site with access through the rear airport gate; Commissioner Rich Liberatore seconded. The motion passed 3–1.
Commissioners also flagged environmental considerations. Hathaway said the area hosts significant bird habitat and the Conservation Commission should be involved in prospective planning. The vote directs staff to open discussions with the FAA; further lease terms, environmental reviews and any FAA waiver process would be subject to later action by the commission.
Next steps: Manager Cornenia will pursue FAA feedback and return with any required conditions or recommendations for the commission to consider.
