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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8524 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8524 Date: September 9, 2003 } To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 1 of 2 x ce re j% SUBJECT: Proposed Site Location for the B-36 B-36 S/N 52-2827, named the"City of Fort Worth,"was originally displayed at the Greater Southwest Airport from 1959 until 1978. The Greater Southwest Airport was closed and the property eventually sold in connection with the development of the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport. In 1979 the aircraft was moved to a site at General Dynamics, now Lockheed Martin, for restoration and storage. Lockheed Martin has asked that the aircraft be removed from their facilities as soon as possible due to the need for more operating space with the inception of the JSF Program and increased production of the F-16 aircraft. During the period between 1979 and 2002, volunteers from the B-36 Restoration Group worked untold hours in completing the restoration of the aircraft with the intention of placing it in a museum facility for public viewing. In an effort to generate funds for the establishment of a museum facility to house the B-36, as well as other vintage aircraft, the Aviation Heritage Association (CSC #28525) was formed with the intention of sponsoring aviation events including air shows. The proceeds from those events, less operating expenses, were intended for use in building the Aviation Heritage Museum. The Aviation Heritage Association has been responsible for managing numerous air shows at Alliance Airport, which have been instrumental in the positive promotion of aviation in and around the DFW Metroplex. Throughout the years there have been numerous discussions pertaining to the proposed location for both placement of the B-36 as well as the Aviation Heritage Museum. Staff has documentation leading back to 1971 pertaining to the disposition of the B-36. In 1971 the designated location for the B-36 was originally at DFW Airport. The site shifted to Carswell Air Force Base in approximately 1978 and since that time the proposed locations have varied between DFW, Carswell, Alliance and Meacham Airports. The most recent proposal from the Aviation Heritage Association was for the B-36 to be housed in a museum at DFW Airport. DFW Airport staff began site evaluation and cost determinations for the proposed site. The proposal involved the development of a covered parking area for the B-36 instead of a full Museum Facility. The B-36 Group was opposed to both leaving the aircraft exposed to the elements and the designated DFW site. At the request of the B-36 Group, Council passed a resolution on April 8, 2003 supporting the display of the historic aircraft at NAS JRB Fort Worth. The B-36 Group expressed a desire for the site due to the fact that 380 of the aircraft was originally manufactured at Carswell Air Force Base and the 7`h and 11th Bomber Wings operated the B-36J from Carswell's runways. Staff met with the Commanding Officer from NAS JRB Fort Worth on August 5, 2003 to discuss the potential site. During those discussions there were several constraints identified by the Navy that included funding requirements, security issues and most significantly the Federal Regulations associated with developing a museum facility on federal property. As a result of the constraints associated with the development at NAS JRB Fort Worth, the B-36 Group contacted staff with a desire for placing the aircraft on airport property at Meacham Airport. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8524 Date: To the Mayor and Members of the City Council To 9, 2003 Page 2 of 2 rers SUBJECT: Proposed Site Location for the B-36 Staff revisited the potential sites at Meacham Airport and determined that there were potentially two possible sites the most prominent of which was off city property on land adjacent to the Vintage Flying Museum. Mr. Bob Adams, of Air Memories, expressed an interest in Spinks Airport as a potential site, and approached staff to discuss the proposal. At the request of Councilman Picht, staff provided the B-36 Group a tour of the facilities at Spinks Airport. After visiting the site the group agreed that Spinks Airport provided a unique opportunity for the aircrafts placement due to the amount of available frontage property, ease of access from I-35 and the potential future growth of the South Tarrant County Area. The B-36 Group would like to pursue placement of the aircraft at Fort Worth Spinks and has asked for staff support in pursuing approval for the proposed site. Staff did a preliminary assessment of the proposed site and determined that it would be adequate as a site for the proposed facility. The benefits of the proposed site include: Freeway access from IH-35W. The property is adjacent to the North side of the airport's main entrance,which would provide for easy access for the public who wish to visit the facility. ➢ The proposed site has only limited development potential for operational aircraft use. All alterations or changes to airport property require FAA approval prior to commencing construction. One of the primary determinants used by the FAA for developing airport property is that the first priority be given to aircraft operating areas and storage facilities that would accommodate operational aircraft. ➢ Utilities are located near the proposed site. A There is sufficient property on site to develop adequate vehicular parking areas. ➢ The airport would provide fly-in visitors an opportunity to walk from their aircraft to the Museum without relying on alternate ground transportation. Staff will place an item on the September 23`d Pre-Council agenda to enable Council to provide further policy direction. ary W `asks City Manager AIN ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS