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Published on January 21, 2025
Peoria Abandons Airport Project Amid Public Concern, Opts for Alternative Land DevelopmentSource: Unsplash/Scott Blake

Peoria's plans to erect an airport in the northern sector of the city have come to a halt, officials confirm. A study previously identified a potential site around the 303 Freeway, south of Lake Pleasant, as suitable for the envisioned project. However, the outcome does not align with the current trajectory of city development.

Mayor Jason Beck had championed the concept with an aim to generate economic growth akin to that seen by the Scottsdale Airpark. Despite the study's findings, the city has opted not to push forward the airport project. "Nearly three years ago, I brought up the concept of looking at a municipal airport that would be much like the city of Scottsdale air park that generates tremendous value to the City of Scottsdale and literally billions of dollars a year from an economic impact standpoint," Mayor Beck told 12 News.

Instead of an airport, which was intended for private and small propeller planes, the Peoria City Council has acquired land from the state for a sum of $140 million. This purchase is intended to facilitate other forms of development, with plans to boost public infrastructures such as arterials and utilities. Mayor Beck envisions that such investment will "raise the value of all of our land," benefitting citizens through the profits generated from subsequent sales, as he explained to 12 News.

While the airport's proposed benefits were substantial—a billion dollars annually according to projections—the city anticipates three to four times that amount by developing the land differently. In a move to be more aligned with public sentiment, which was vocally against the noise and intrusion of an airport, Peoria has shifted its strategy. Concerns raised by the community during public feedback sessions in 2024 were acknowledged by the Mayor. “The bottom line with airports is they're noisy. Airplanes are noisy. It's unavoidable," a resident reportedly stated to 12 News, encapsulating the sentiment.

Deputy City Manager Mike Faust clarified that the door remains open for private entities to pursue an airpark if they see fit, as reported by KJZZ. While the public-private airport dream has dispersed akin to contrails in a clear sky, Peoria looks to soar to new economic heights through alternative development paths.

Phoenix-Real Estate & Development