XENIA — Greene County has purchased 60 acres of land in Beavercreek Township.
Commissioners approved the sale of the land adjacent to the Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport last week for $2.35 million. No immediate plans for the land were announced, but County Administrator Brandon Huddleson said the 60.384-acre plot is “some of the most unique property in the county.”
“This would be a strategic acquisition that would allow us to, one, protect that property from anything that would negatively impact the airport,” he said. “But also has the county in the driver’s seat for whatever that ultimate disposition may be. There’s a plethora of opportunities that could happen there.”
While he said there were no “concrete plans,” some ideas include residential development of airport enthusiasts, warehouse logistics, commercial or industrial development, and additional hangar space.
Huddleson also pointed out that there is no other land available around the airport and if the runways are going to be widened or more taxiway is to be added, that land is the sole option.
“The only direction it could go is this direction,” he said. “We can not get one inch closer to the buildings than we already are. This gives room for growth.”
Commissioner Tom Koogler said he had some “reluctance” about the purchase.
“Not that it’s a bad deal,” he said. “My problem was using taxpayer’s money without having a vision or a plan.”
But the airport board is set to work on its newest 10-year master plan; the last one was done in 2014. Koogler said he was informed by the board that it will most likely wait five years for any further development so something “that doesn’t work within the community” isn’t prematurely built.”
Commission President Dick Gould agreed that controlling that space is important.
“Especially in light of the discussions that have been had in some of the townships and cities,” he said. “We may end up with a gas station on that corner. That could be a truck stop. Or a car wash. Those could easily be there so I think this is important.”
Reach Scott Halasz at 937-502-4507.
