Bob Nemeth Article

Today there is another Editorial in the Telegram stating that we are going in the right direction.
Couple of thoughts--"prompt action on the long-term land use"?? Myself I have heard about this RFP for at least two years?? We needed a Master plan to tell us to promote aviation-related development of the airport's 1300 plus acres? Here is the editorial:

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Moving ahead

Airport initiative in keeping with master plan

Anticipating the unveiling of the master plan for Worcester Regional Airport, city officials already are acting on one of its major recommendations.

The final version of the master plan is scheduled to be presented at a public meeting Dec. 13 at the airport. The plan, in part, calls for expanding the facility’s vigorous general aviation component and re-establishing scheduled commercial passenger service.

Progress on the third major element of the plan — promoting aviation-related development on some of the airport’s 1,300-plus acres in Worcester and Leicester — is outlined in a report to the City Council tonight.

The administration’s prompt action on the long-term land-use program is welcome.

As a first step, the city this month issued a request for development proposals for 4.5 acres within the airport’s secure area. Because the parcel has direct runway and taxi-lane access, the city and Massport consider it ideal for hangars, amenities for future commercial passenger activities and support services for corporate, private and charter aircraft. Other potential uses might include aircraft maintenance and parking, engine repair, flight instruction and air-taxi service.

The request has been sent to 50 potential developers, including many that have expressed specific interest in the airport.

While scheduled passenger service remains a priority, expanding corporate and general aviation could reduce the red ink in the airport budget substantially. For example, one large corporate jet based at the airport would generate hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in revenue, city officials say, and have a total impact in jobs, fuel purchases, maintenance and other services exceeding $1.5 million a year.

A key objective articulated in the master plan is to maximize revenue and economic activity and create jobs — while reserving land that might be needed for aviation use in the foreseeable future. The initial request for development proposals is a significant step in the right direction