27 May 2019

No Hang-Ups Over Opportunity Zones In Non-Neglected Neighborhoods > Nothing Wrong With That!

New East Valley Tribune Staff Writer Jordan Houston is doing her job to pay for her keeping the public fed with what Mesa City officials want you to read:
The favorite word used by administrators: WIN. And then, of course there's always that so-tired, over-used and well worn-out phrase "We are excited."
Mayor John Giles doubled-it to "It's a Win-Win" for everyone, over the controversial land auction deal that was reserved and promised 21 years ago as a public park turned-luxury-gated enclave. Falcon Field Director Corinne Nystrom, said "It's a BIG WIN for Mesa" . . . We are really excited about it, . . this is exactly what we’ve been looking for."
Major hangar project coming to Falcon Field
"Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, known for its rich history and as a major economic engine for the city, is adding at least 20 hangars to accommodate its growing clientele.  
The municipal airport, which serves private and military aircraft, announced last week that it’s preparing for a 23-acre development – complete with ancillary offices and manufacturing spaces.
Davcon Aviation, LLC, and Mesa Hangar, LLC, will construct the phased project on more than 1 million square feet of vacant city land on the northwest side of the airport.
“One of the things that is so exciting about getting the new hangars is that a lot of the inventory will allow us to have a new stock of facilities that can attract a different variety of businesses and size aircrafts,” she said.
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With more than 750 aircraft based at the relief airport, it also houses 100 on-airport businesses that provide aviation services, such as fueling, inspections and avionics.
750 aircraft! Hell that's a lot of noise . . .
You can see how close residential development is by looking at the opening image.
By the way, the Falcon Field Airport area in northeast Mesa is far from being "economically distressed" or "low-income".
It only qualifies as an OZone due to "a loop-hole' in the TCAJA 2017. So does another Ozone around Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
"Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economic development and job creation, according to the federal Internal Revenue Service website.
Because of this, the construction for the project needs to be completed within 31 months after the signing of the lease, said Davcon Aviation Managing Partner David Wakefield.
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Last year the city rebranded a 35-square-mile radius around the airport the Falcon District.
“The Falcon District is anchored by Falcon Field Airport and encompasses more than 35 square miles of retail, commercial and industrial parks, as well as quality residential neighborhoods,” the city noted.
Bill Jabjiniak, the city’s economic development director, said the purpose of the rebranding was “to define the Falcon District as a vibrant, advanced manufacturing hub, ideal for medical technology companies, advanced business services and next generation aerospace and defense.”