Is Braden Airpark on the Brink of Sale?

The Braden Airpark on Sullivan Trail in Forks Township sits empty these days, awaiting its fate.

Ever since Moyer Aviation took flight for the Poconos last month, the site is on standby, its wings clipped as the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority decides whether to sell the property to alleviate its mounting debt.

That decision could be coming within the month.

There was some confusion that LNAA had already decided to sell the airpark, but Forks Township Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss, an avid pilot, cleared that up.

"The decision is not official," Chuss said.

Chuss said that the LNAA board, in a recent meeting, had a motion on the table and a second about the airport. But after concerns were raised by board members that they did not have time to review the decision since it had been only worked on in committee, the motion was withdrawn.

"The township was never informed of the LNAA's intentions," Chuss said. "I raised concerns that LNAA agreed to meet with Forks Township officials and the public before making a decision."

He said the issue hasn't been addressed publicly and that a decision was "being forced" on the board members to close the airport.

Supervisor David Billings remarked about what a sale means.

"The decision is sad, but not unexpected," Billings said. "Additionally, the lack of public communication between the LNAA and Forks Township is mind-boggling. So much for the promise of open communication from the LNAA board."

Forks Township officials have specifically requested that LNAA representatives appear before the Board of Supervisors to explain their stance on Braden Airpark before a decision is rendered.

"I would be curious to see how the Northampton County Council
members are reacting to this decision being made without input from our
township," Billings said. "I know the candidates would have a opinion!"

"Now, it will be interesting to see if a developer wants Forks Township
to change it zoning laws to accommodate commercial development," Billings added.

Chuss says he has no worries about the site's future.

"I am not worried what will become of the site if the airport closes," he said. "We have a solid zoning ordinance in place and will consider other uses based on its own merit. Regardless of what happens to the airport, I, and I'm sure the others, will continue to do what's best for the township."