A Cleveland City Council leader says another hearing on the future of Burke Lakefront Airport is possible, but he does not consider supporters’ request for one an immediate priority.
“I understand the enthusiasm, but it’s not time sensitive in my mind,” Transportation and Mobility Committee Chair Charles Slife told Axios Cleveland.
Slife said other legislative matters currently have priority, although he remains open to holding a fifth hearing focused on Burke users and supporters.
Supporters Seek Dedicated Hearing
The comments follow renewed calls from aviation and business groups for council to provide additional time specifically for arguments in favor of keeping Burke open. Last week, more than 50 business and aviation professionals, along with aviation students and workers, submitted Aug. 4 letters urging city officials to preserve the downtown airport.
Slife defended the four hearings council has already held on Mayor Justin Bibb’s proposal to close Burke and redevelop its roughly 450-acre lakefront site. According to Axios, council members have also been touring the airport as they consider its future.
No Fifth Hearing Scheduled
The possibility of another hearing is not new. Following the fourth scheduled hearing this spring, Slife indicated council could hold additional sessions during the summer to hear directly from those advocating for continued airport operations, according to Signal Cleveland.
Still, no fifth hearing has been scheduled. Slife has not committed to when, or whether, it will take place.
0 replies