A plan to redevelop 28 acres at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport into facilities for air cargo took a step forward earlier this month.
The Business and Development Subcommittee of the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board recommended in favor of a staff recommendation to repurpose the 28-acre site. The matter will now move to the full Board.
The total site in question is 40 acres. Staff recommended reserving the 28 acres on the west side of the parcel and leaving a determination for the remaining 12 acres for a later date.
The project discussion came about because of a growing need for cargo capacity at the airport. Officials said two cargo tenants on the airport’s south side have enough traffic volume to double their space footprints if the airport can accommodate them.
The existing buildings on the site were created for general aviation uses and many are nearing end of life. Only half the building space on the 28-acre site is generating revenue for the airport.
Staff has proposed a 30-year term for whatever company is chosen to develop the property. Additional options could be necessary to make the project profitable for a developer after demolishing the existing buildings and constructing new ones.
Staff will work with existing companies on the property to find new space at either Sky Harbor or another City-owned airport. (Source)