Lawmakers push back against planned evictions at Sussex County airport
Rep. Josh Gottheimer opposes the planned hangar demolition, while three state lawmakers want DEP to suspend eviction notices and consider outside management.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer is opposing plans to demolish hangars at Andover-Aeroflex Airport in Sussex County, as three state lawmakers urge environmental officials to suspend eviction notices and consider allowing an outside entity to manage the airport.
Gottheimer visited the airport Friday amid concerns about the future of businesses operating there, including Andover Flight Academy. Flight school operators say they received an eviction notice this week requiring them to leave by the end of the year.
"I'm not going to let you guys get thrown out. It's not happening. We're going to fight this thing," Gottheimer said during the visit.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection previously announced plans to demolish the airport's hangar complex, citing structural concerns. Gottheimer opposes demolition, arguing that repairing the buildings would be less expensive.
News 12 previously reported that DEP owns the airport, which is managed by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The service said the hangar complex requires extensive capital improvements.
On Saturday, state Sen. Parker Space and Assembly members Dawn Fantasia and Michael Inganamort issued a joint statement criticizing DEP's decision to send eviction notices to aircraft owners whose planes are housed in the airport's hangars.
The lawmakers reiterated a proposal to allow an outside entity to manage the airport so DEP and the Forest Fire Service could focus on their primary responsibilities. They said the department could select an operator through a public bidding process.
"We urge the DEP to put these eviction notices on hold while that option receives full and fair consideration," the lawmakers said.
They also argued that reducing services at one of Sussex County's two airports would hurt residents in a county they described as a "transportation desert."
News 12 reached out to DEP Saturday for a response to Gottheimer's comments and the lawmakers' statement, as well as clarification on whether the eviction deadline remains in effect.
