WESTFIELD – Officials of the Pioneer Valley Military & Transportation Museum are seeking approval of the Westfield Airport Commission to move from eight acres of land the group is now leasing to about three acres of property.
PVMTM Treasurer Paul E. Dion, Jr., said the land flip is advantageous to both the city and his group because the eight acres of land at 20 Airport Road, now under a long-term lease to the museum group, has a far greater commercial value than the property the group is seeking to lease – property that the city could market.
The advantage to the museum group, Dion said, is that the new property contains a building, Hangar #3, that would enable the museum group to launch a viable museum. The site, which is slightly less than three acres, is currently under lease to Westfield Aviation LLC. The PVMTM proposes that it purchase that lease.
“The new site allows us to get started right away,” Dion said. “We would be up and running very soon and, under the terms of the lease, would have to give the city 10 percent of our revenue. We would also need some additional parking.”
“What we would like to do is transfer the lease to the PVMTM. We’re asking to use the same lease (for the eight acres) on the new (three acre) property,” Dion said.
Commission Chairwoman Kimberly Cameron said transferring the lease may be problematic because it is a long-term lease with options totaling 60 years. The Airport Commission is authorized to approve leases of up to 20 years, but any lease longer than 20 years will require the approval of the City Council.
Cameron asked if the group would be willing to “start fresh to work with the city” to negotiate a new lease agreement.
PVMTM said the groups is “not enthusiastic about changing the terms of the (present) lease because it is favorable to us” but conceded that it may be an option to discuss further as review of the group’s proposal continues.
“The outcome I want is a win-win,” Cameron said, “although it may be more favorable to one party.”
Dion said the group is seeking to establish a “flying museum” that will feature antique and historic aircraft which is why the group is seeking a new site with runway access.
Dion said that the proposed Hangar #3 location is right next to Hangar #2 where the Westfield Technical Academy aviation program will be located. That co-location will provide a synergy that will benefit both programs.
