ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Big development could be coming to the western edge of Albuquerque after environmental regulators signed off on various uses for the land around Double Eagle Airport. “Currently Double Eagle II is losing money,” said Manny Manriquez, Deputy Director of Aviation, innovation and development for the city of Albuquerque.
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That’s one of the reasons the city is planning for a major expansion of the airport on Albuquerque’s far west side and they’re hoping to update Double Eagle’s master plan to include non-aeronautical uses. “The FAA has encouraged airports to lease property for non-aeronautical use. Such as hotel, flight manufacturing research and development, and renewable energy to increase and diversify airport revenues,” said Christina Sandoval.
The changes would also allow lodging, commercial, light industrial, film studio, educational, and renewable energy generation on the city-owned land surrounding the airport.
Thursday, in front of the city’s environmental planning commission, some raised concerns, since it’s not known yet what exactly will go into the area. “It’s really alarming and it’s not advisable for the city because you might have one use that comes in that would make it impossible for other uses that are economically preferable,” said concerned resident Elizabeth.
The state aviation division urged the city to ensure any future development doesn’t infringe on the airport. “Noise is also a huge concern when it comes to the airport. We seen any type of actions for aviation easement or the ability of that to be mitigated so there’s no threat to the airport itself,” said William Fitzpatrick, NMDOT State Aviation Division.
The city says any new development would still need to go in front of the council and align with FAA guidelines to ensure it would not conflict with airport operations. “We feel that it is important and urgent that we develop the surrounding properties for the appropriate commercial uses,” said Manriquez.
The EPC approved the changes unanimously. They still need approval from Albuquerque City Council. “It’s the responsibility for the aviation department to ensure that Double Eagle 2 can become self-sustaining,” said Manriquez.
The city says it will soon begin the process of finalizing the full master plan, with input from the community. That’s expected to take about a year.
