Nov. 30--BROOKSVILLE -- If the county can get a good deal on an expansive airport facility, it would make sense to go for it, says County Commissioner David Russell.
And that is just what members of the Hernando County Aviation Authority did Thursday by giving permission to Airport Manager Don Silvernell to negotiate with BankAtlantic on the foreclosed Brooksville Air Center facility.
It was stipulated that any negotiations or agreements are subject to the approval of the aviation authority and county commission.
The aviation board instructed staff to move forward with a preliminary feasibility study to work with the lender to see what kind of pricing will be placed on the property.
"Due to the nature of the facility and its proximity to the runway, we believe it would be in the best interests of the airport to acquire the property should there not be any private interests," Russell said.
Should a private concern step up, it would have first option, Russell said.
"The idea is to get it into someone's hands, whether through the airport or a private entity, and have it function as intended, pay taxes and generate revenue for the airport," Russell said.
Located at 15421 Technology Drive, the facility includes an expansive airplane hangar and administrative building, encompassing some 25,000 square feet, both with easy access to the runway.
The air center, which sits on county-owned property, recently became available after it went into foreclosure.
The bank held a foreclosure auction with a $1.5 million bid but there were no takers, Russell said.
The air center is located on the western edge of airport property, off Aerial Way, which bisects the Target and Kohl's department stores.
Air Center officials signed a lease with the airport in 2009 but, for whatever reason, couldn't make a go of it.
Russell, the commission's liaison to the airport, said he doesn't see that many downsides.
"It's a bargain basement deal for somebody," Russell said.
If the airport could find a manufacturer or another business to further economic development, it is a plus for the taxpayers of Hernando County, he said.
It's also important, Russell said, that the facility is occupied and doesn't fall into disrepair.
Russell said the site may be ideal for a customs clearance facility.
Copyright 2012 - Hernando Today, Brooksville, Fla.
