Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb wants to close Burke Lakefront Airport, a move he says would revitalize the city well beyond its shoreline. But what would go on the 450 acres of land?
The "Sound of Ideas Community Tour" heard plans from local leaders on the future of the airport Wednesday night. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the conversation in the video below.
Bibb and city officials say the airport is not serving its residents or the city鈥檚 plans for growth. Studies suggest the airport, built on a former landfill, would be able to support park space as well as one or two-story buildings, and city officials say they are still finalizing plans for how to better use the lakefront space, but they鈥檙e certain they can come up with something better than an airport. Getting approval from the federal government to shut down the airport is far from a done deal, and Cleveland City Council still has to be convinced it's the right move.
We also heard from aviation experts who say the economic value of the airport has been underestimated. Besides catering to private jets, the airport is home to two flight schools, multiple businesses and the annual Cleveland Air Show.
Panelists include:
鈥� Justin Bibb, Mayor of Cleveland
鈥� Charles Slife, Cleveland City Council - Ward 1
鈥� Scott Skinner, Executive Director, North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation
鈥� Ned Parks, President, Northeast Ohio Pilots Association
The "Sound of Ideas" is 精东影业's flagship news and information program focusing on Northeast Ohio. Learn more about the show.
