Business & Tech

Braden Airpark Up for Sale?

If Braden Airpark is sold, Forks Township officials have say in how the 80 acres will be developed.

Forks Township will have a say in Braden Airpark's future.

Township officials stated that despite the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority exploring selling its properties, including the Sullivan Trail airport, any development must be approved by Forks Township.

At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Chairman Erik Chuss stated that while Forks will have no say in a sale of Braden Airpark, officials can control the usage of the land.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

"Any proposal will be reviewed by the zoning and planning boards and then the supervisors," Chuss said. "All things will be considered in terms of uses for the land. And we can voice our opinions."

Supervisor David Billings hoped the airport authority would come before the supervisors and public to discuss their plans.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

"They should let us have input," he said. "They owe our community some airtime."

The property is currently zoned for recreation, education and municipal purposes.

Former Supervisor C. David Howell said township officials need to be mindful about what might replace the airport.

"It could be the biggest issue in the township," Howell said. "It would change the landscape of Sullivan Trail."

Howell said that Forks, in preparing for its future, should approve development at Braden Airpark that would include a healthy dose of commercial, retail and residential.

"We could use some new retail businesses and restaurants," he said. "With our demographics, Forks is a hair away from having a Starbucks."

The authority is considering selling its 800 acres of property to pay off a massive debt. Braden Airpark consists of 80 acres.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Palmer-Forks