Fitchburg Municipal Airport: Easement Acquisitions

Gale provided airport planning and engineering services to the Fitchburg Municipal Airport for the acquisition of avigation easements over 34 properties to clear obstructing buildings and vegetation from the Runway 14-32 approaches. The acquisition was conducted in three phases due to financial limitations.

 

Fitchburg Municipal Airport: Easement AcquisitionsChallenges

  • Acquire avigation easements over 34 properties to clear obstructions and to install obstruction lights
  • Properties included residential, conservation land, and industrial uses
  • In addition to removing vegetation, the roof and chimney of a commercial building required lowering and obstruction lights required on the roof of an industrial building

 

Gale’s Solutions

  • Coordinated with each property owner to explain the project, its need, and  property restoration
  • Coordinated with the Airport Commission, surveyor, appraiser, review appraiser, and legal advisors during negotiation and closings
  • Prepared a package of information to provide property owners to address commonly asked questions (potential tax implications, acquisition procedures, and regulations)
  • Prepared draft property restoration agreements when requested
  • Provided Project Development and Grant Administration services