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?
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 have said 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 City Council still has to be convinced it's the right move.
Some aviation experts have pushed back against Mayor Bibb's desire to close Burke Lakefront Airport. They 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.
The latest 鈥淪ound of Ideas Community Tour鈥� pulled into the terminal at Burke Lakefront Airport for a discussion regarding the potential for that lakefront property.
Host Stephanie Haney moderated a conversation that was full of feedback from the live audience, many of whom had strong feelings on what should be done with Burke Lakefront Airport.
Guests:
- Justin Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland
- Scott Skinner, Executive Director, North Coast Waterfront Development
- Charles Slife, Cleveland Council Member - Ward 15
- Ned Parks, President, Northeast Ohio Pilots Association
