In a move to advance the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) as a leading executive air transit hub, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has given the green light to a significant new development project spearheaded by Sky Harbour. The approval, cast in a 6-1 vote last Tuesday, paves the way for the construction of eight new hangars by the business aviation firm. In a report by DeKalb County, there will be no financial appropriation from the county itself, as the entire $45 million project will be funded by Sky Harbour.
DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson signaled both awareness and responsiveness to the concerns surrounding development at PDK, especially in terms of environmental impact and local resident welfare. "I am very sensitive to development at PDK and its impact on the environment and local residents but we will use this project to reduce the major concerns expressed by the local community," Cochran-Johnson told DeKalb County. Her commitment includes the establishment of a friends’ group that will work alongside the airport and county to champion a family-friendly atmosphere at PDK, offering parks, dining, and educational experiences.
PDK Airport Director Hunter Hines emphasized the strategic significance of the airport in the business landscape, affirming that the development will aid continuous economic growth while addressing local community concerns. "We can offer noise relief to residents in DeKalb County and provide much needed hangar space that will generate significant revenue to both the airport and the County," Hines explained in a statement obtained by DeKalb County.
With an estimated financial impact of $576 million over the course of its 50-year lease, including $66 million in direct ground lease revenue for PDK, the development represents a substantial long-term investment. Tax revenues for DeKalb County, the DeKalb County School Board, and the City of Chamblee are projected to increase by $510 million during the same period. The project not only promises revenue but also community reinvestment, earmarking $1 million annually for local community development. Moreover, a full-time Community Relations Manager post will be established for the sake of fostering dialog with residents, furthering the county's commitment to responsible growth and community health, Cochran-Johnson told DeKalb County.
Another dimension of DeKalb County's strategy to mitigate environmental concerns is an ongoing Air Quality & Noise Study, slated for completion by June 2026.
