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PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:47 pm 
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Here is the text from the article from the CT Post:

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Bridgeport-plan-to-sell-Sikorsky-Airport-halts-17446358.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=share-by-email&utm_medium=email

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Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media

STRATFORD -- Supporters of establishing a museum for local aviation history at Sikorsky Airport were on the cusp of finally achieving that dream.

Having in 2015 obtained a 99-year lease from Bridgeport, owner of the Stratford-based airport, the local Connecticut Air and Space Center in 2018 was awarded $1 million in state aid to give a substantial boost to the slow-going refurbishment of the Curtiss hangar for its home.

But in recent months Bridgeport officials have refused to finalize the paperwork necessary for the state Department of Economic and Community Development to release those funds for the Curtiss work. Why? Because Mayor Joe Ganim's administration hopes to sell Sikorsky to the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) and it is unclear how the center and hangar fit into the latter's plans.

"There could be an issue with its location," Daniel Roach, a Ganim aide closely involved with the negotiations with the CAA, said. "We're trying to work things out to keep everybody satisfied."

Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Windsor Locks-based authority, emphasized his organization, which aims to return regular commercial passenger service to Sikorsky, wants the museum there too. He noted the CAA-run Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks is home to the New England Air Museum.

"If we're the (Sikorsky) airport operator, we'd want to make sure it (the air/space center) has a home at the airport," Dillon said. "But we'd want the flexibility to be able to work with the museum to relocate the facility if necessary."

And so for now the $1 million is in limbo.

“We are supportive of the City of Bridgeport and CAA continuing discussions around the hangar," state Economic Development Commissioner David Lehman said in a statement. "It is important that any capital investments made with taxpayer funds make sense for the current and potential future owner of the airport.”

Mark Corvino, the center's president and manager of the Curtiss hangar restoration, is frustrated. He said he has been given little insight into the situation.

"I'm banging my head against the wall," Corvino said. "What's the plan? I fear they want this (the hangar) ground. I fear they have 'bigger, better plans.' But nothing is public. Nothing is in the open."

The museum is not some attempt at establishing a tourist trap. This area and Sikorsky Airport have had significant roles in history. The late Igor Sikorsky, for example, was a Russian immigrant who invented the first practical helicopter, constructed seaplanes or “flying boats” and founded the namesake Stratford-based aircraft manufacturing giant.

And the Curtiss hangar, which dates back to 1929, was used by the likes of famous aviators like Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes. It was built by the Curtiss Wright Co., which used it for a flying school. The building was abandoned in the 1990s and needs significant upgrades.

Dillon said "there are safety and security issues" surrounding having a publicly-accessible museum on the airfield if CAA purchases Sikorsky and re-launches commercial service. Currently the airport caters to business, charter and private flights.

"As well, does it (the museum) sit on a prime area for development — air-site development — at the airport?" he added.

A relocation plan could involve moving the Curtiss building or, if that is not feasible, identifying another spot within Sikorsky's footprint for the museum and re-purposing the hangar for other uses, Dillon said.

"We don't have enough information yet to make definitive statements about 'this is what we'd do tomorrow,'" Dillon said. "That's why it's important to build in the flexibility I'm talking about (into a Sikorsky sale) with the understanding we feel it's very important to be supportive of the museum."

Corvino believes the hangar could be taken apart and reconstructed, but such a project "wouldn't be cheap."

"Who is gonna pay to relocate the hangar?" he said.

And, Corvino added, if the intent is to honor history, the Curtiss structure should remain where it was built.

"That's hallowed ground," he said. "Everyone in aviation has been there, kept his plane in there."

Corvino said the center's attorney is Kevin Kelly of Stratford. Kelly did not return phone calls seeking comment.

State Rep. Joseph Gresko, a Democrat, represents the neighborhood where Sikorsky Airport is located and helped to obtain the $1 million for the air and space center.

"Look, it's a built-in gem," Gresko said of the museum. "If it was me (we) would promote it, embrace it, celebrate that it's there. Stratford has arguably one of the best aviation histories and reputations not only in the country but, arguably, the world, so you would want to highlight that as a draw for your airport."

Gresko also doubts the Curtiss hangar could be relocated, at least without plenty of complications.

Stratford's Republican mayor, Laura Hoydick, said, "Absolutely the museum should remain on the property because of the history of the Curtiss Hangar. It's not just about Stratford. It's the region. I'm not in favor of using the hangar for other things unless the museum and its board of directors acquiesces."

Hoydick's administration has been attempting to make a counter-offer for Sikorsky Airport to Bridgeport, arguing the town will be a better steward of the facility than the upstate CAA. She noted museum supporters are not trying to sink any deals.

"We want to be sensitive to our history and work collaboratively," she said.

The Bridgeport City Council, currently all Democrats, will ultimately have to vote on any sale of Sikorsky. Its president, Aidee Nieves, said she supports the museum and city and state officials need to include its representatives in their discussions.

"It is my hope whoever becomes the owner/operator ensures that (museum) project is fulfilled," Nieves said. "It has been a long term endeavor. Many people have been committed to this.”

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Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

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PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2022 2:48 pm 
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Connecticut politics... :roll:

Phil

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