Airplane at Naples airport on the runway
Naples Planning Board requests that Naples Airport Authority remove flight easement for proposed 37-unit luxury condominium development
On Thursday, the Naples Airport Authority Board of Trustees is scheduled to discuss the results of an exploratory study on the future of the airport at its regular meeting.
The panel, appointed by the Naples City Council, commissioned the study last summer after a $2 million noise study had already been conducted and there had been ongoing complaints from some airport residents.
Naples and Collier elected officials are interested in what happens with the Naples airport, which has been a topic of conversation among city council members for years.
Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority, said the results of the exploratory study have been sent to all Naples City Council members and Collier County commissioners. Naples Daily News emailed each of them asking them to share their thoughts on the study. Some responded.
What is the exploratory study?
The study identified four sites in eastern Collier County that could accommodate a new, expanded airport with commercial flights that the current airport cannot. It also determined that a general aviation and commercial airport would cost at least $1.6 billion.
The Naples Airport Authority manages the airport and reports to its board of directors appointed by the Naples City Council. The authority has a lease on the property at North Road and Airport-Pulling Road in the heart of Naples through 2068.
Mayor Teresa Heitman and County Commission Chairman Chris Hall did not respond to emails or phone calls seeking comment.
Here is the statement from the two commissioners and two city council members:
Bill McDaniel, county commissioner for Collier County’s 5th District, said there is no need to move the airport because they can work with the county to divert traffic to Immokalee Regional Airport and reduce noise.
“Why not use a property that is already owned by the county,” McDaniel said in a phone interview. “That would significantly reduce their noise concerns” and bring some business to Immokalee “and everybody wins.”
McDaniel said he has not read the study and has no intention of reading it. He said moving the Naples airport or building a new airport in eastern Collier County is unnecessary.
“They’re simply adjusting their operations,” he said. “There’s no huge investment. There’s no complete changeover.”
Rick LoCastro, county commissioner for Collier County’s 1st District, said he has always opposed the relocation of Naples Airport and made his arguments before the study results were available.
“Moving the airport is ridiculous… and I would never vote for the $1 billion-plus price tag,” LoCastro wrote in an email. “Being able to continue operating the airport at an acceptable pace — while also capitalizing on RSW’s growth — is the smart and realistic move for our community. Ensuring we have multiple airports (including our Marco Island Executive Airport) to provide acceptable round-trip transportation. Anything more aggressive… or more expensive… is ridiculous.”
William Kramer of the Naples City Council said in an email that he had read the study.
“It’s clear that a group of really smart people have worked hard to take a comprehensive look at the airport,” he said. “This exploratory study is a great tool to support future conversations about the airport.”
City Councilman Raymond Christman said he had not received the study. Naples Daily News referred him to the airport’s website, where the study is posted. He did not respond.
The Airport Committee will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Naples City Council Chambers at 735 Eighth Street South.
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