May 2007         

County looking at highest, best use for international airport property

With 400 acres of some of the most valuable real estate in Volusia County, the Volusia County Council wants to make sure this
property at Daytona Beach International Airport is developed to its highest and best use. With an eye toward the future, an airport master plan being created will provide the blueprint for future development of this prime real estate.

“The property development plan we’re doing at the airport will focus on undeveloped acreage,” said Frank Bruno, Volusia County Chair. “The recommendations in this plan will come to the County Council and will weigh heavily on decisions as to the most appropriate uses of the 400-plus acres at DBIA.”

The plan is being drafted by DBIA staff and LPA Group, Orlando, a firm that specializes in airport consulting, engineering and land use planning. With a long list of potential businesses and organizations seeking an airport location, it is important for Volusia County to specify the most appropriate kinds of businesses for the property.

“The plan is essential to the airport’s future, and I’m pleased with its progress,” said Dennis McGee, DBIA Director of Aviation. “We need to plan the wise and prudent use of airport resources for future growth and revenue development. We want to make the best possible use of this land for the financial viability of the airport and benefit to the community.”

One area being planned is a 95-acre industrial office development proposed by Volusia County’s Department of Economic Development. This parcel is at the southern end of the property along Beville Road. “This location will be particularly attractive to businesses that require a location close to DBIA,” said Rick Michael, Director of Economic Development. “Many organizations including those tied to aviation as well as nonaviation businesses need close proximity to an airport for business purposes.”

Consider the benefits for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of being situated on its own land adjacent to DBIA. “There is simply no way to put a price tag on our location,” said Dr. John Johnson, ERAU president. “Our flightline aircraft taxi to DBIA runways hundreds of times a day. Our students benefit from our collaboration with DBIA as a teaching airport, including our work with DBIA on research of the small aircraft transportation system (SATS) and other leading edge technology projects. There are countless ways our location enhances our ability to accomplish our mission.”

Embry-Riddle has broken ground on a research park at the former site of the Volusia County Schools’ bus transportation facility on Clyde Morris Boulevard, adjacent to the airport. The land was obtained through a property exchange with the Volusia County School Board, which included a long-term lease of other airport property to construct a new central transportation facility by the school board. “It’s a great example of optimizing the use of prime lands through leadership, cooperation and collaboration,” said Dr. Al Williams, chairman of the Volusia County School Board. “It’s a point of pride that our educational institutions work together.”

Nonaviation tenants at DBIA include four hotels that lease airport property. “While our guests include vacationers and business travelers, our location puts us front and center with both,” said Richard Pazmino, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn. “We’re within sight of the terminal, the FBOs and Embry-Riddle, just across the street from Volusia Mall and within walking distance of restaurants and Daytona International Speedway.”

The area is also the site of Hampton Inn, the first hotel at DBIA. It has expanded and added more space for small meetings. Residence Inn by Marriott has established operations next door to Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott built a new hotel on DBIA property next door to Embry-Riddle. With an increasing number of high quality, well-maintained enterprises at the airport, the business climate gets better every year, according to Pazmino.

Jet Park Daytona is constructing a complex of corporate hangars on DBIA land. The $5-million project will yield 108,000 square feet helping DBIA to attract corporate aviation business, something economic development officials welcome.

Another aviation development area in the planning stages by LPA Group is a 25-acre site. The project got a boost from a $3-million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation, which will provide many of the roads, utilities and other infrastructure to enable development of this site. Corporate hangars, T-hangars, recreation hangars and even large transport hangars are being planned for this site.

“Today’s business traveler is tomorrow’s prospect,” said Michael. “It is important for our airport to make a good first impression on all visitors. Arrival through the DBIA complex makes a great first impression. More corporate hangars mean more businessmen and businesswomen who experience a great first – and last – impression as they arrive and depart.”