Nashville International Airport Development thread

[chris holman]

 

[Sean blackdog]

BNA said the airport had more than 67,000 passengers move through security and depart from Nashville.

[markhollin]

One area of the State's taking over the Metro Nashville Airport Authority that I had not heard about that is patently ridiculous...

The new statute, signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee in May, allows certain airport authorities the power to "regulate aircraft hazards, compatible land use, or other factors impacting the safe and efficient operation of the airport by submitting a map to the county ... that requires the review and approval, conditional approval or denial of building permits within the designated boundaries."

The law applies only in counties with a metropolitan government and a population of more than 500,000 — in other words, currently, only Metro Nashville.

The new map, first reported by The Tennessee Journal, went into effect on July 1.

In 1997, ordinances added to Metro Code created an Airport Overlay District allowing "specific height controls" according to maps maintained by the MNAA. The code gave those MNAA maps precedence over general zoning maps.

The new law gives the airport authority "incredible power," Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Anne C. Martin, a member of the 3-judge panel, said during a recent hearing. "It takes Metro out of the equation and gives them the ability to do things they can't currently do."
 

The law isn't clear on any limits to the airport authority's power over zoning and permits, and does not contain any provisions allowing Metro to approve, contest or change the map's boundaries. It's not clear how the new boundaries were determined by the airport authority, or what the authority's internal approval process looked like.

A letter submitted along with the new map in June offered no explanation for the expanded permit boundary.

More at The Tennessean here:

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/davidson/2023/10/17/nashville-airport-authority-board-new-law-broadened-land-use-power/71205005007/
 

[Luvemtall]

Proof positive why the majority rule that currently exists in the state government, needs to be changed and equalized  to a more bipartisan level of accountability. This kind of “we can do anything we want” mentality has to stop. 

[Bos2Nash]

2 hours ago, markhollin said:

One area of the State's taking over the Metro Nashville Airport Authority that I had not heard about that is patently ridiculous...

The new statute, signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee in May, allows certain airport authorities the power to "regulate aircraft hazards, compatible land use, or other factors impacting the safe and efficient operation of the airport by submitting a map to the county ... that requires the review and approval, conditional approval or denial of building permits within the designated boundaries."

The law applies only in counties with a metropolitan government and a population of more than 500,000 — in other words, currently, only Metro Nashville.

The new map, first reported by The Tennessee Journal, went into effect on July 1.

In 1997, ordinances added to Metro Code created an Airport Overlay District allowing "specific height controls" according to maps maintained by the MNAA. The code gave those MNAA maps precedence over general zoning maps.

The new law gives the airport authority "incredible power," Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Anne C. Martin, a member of the 3-judge panel, said during a recent hearing. "It takes Metro out of the equation and gives them the ability to do things they can't currently do."
 

The law isn't clear on any limits to the airport authority's power over zoning and permits, and does not contain any provisions allowing Metro to approve, contest or change the map's boundaries. It's not clear how the new boundaries were determined by the airport authority, or what the authority's internal approval process looked like.

A letter submitted along with the new map in June offered no explanation for the expanded permit boundary.

More at The Tennessean here:

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/davidson/2023/10/17/nashville-airport-authority-board-new-law-broadened-land-use-power/71205005007/
 

Complete garbage move by the new airport board and the State. Continuing their ongoing temper tantrum because they couldn't throw their party in the city they love to hate on.

The article does state:

"In a statement to The Tennessean on Monday, the MNAA said the law "does not grant airport authorities veto power over development," leaving final permitting authority with the county. Federal Aviation Administration Grant Assurances require airports to "take appropriate action to assure terminal airspace is adequately cleared and protected, prevent the creation of future airport hazards" and restrict adjacent land use so it is compatible with airport operations."

but when looking at the zoning code of the Airport Overlay:

"Properties subject to the airport overlay district provisions and the specific height controls encumbering those proper-ties shall be referenced on maps maintained and periodically updated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. In cases of discrepancy, the specific airport overlay district boundaries depicted on maps maintained by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority shall take precedence over generalized boundaries referenced on the official zoning map. Within the overlay district, the maximum permitted height of structures shall be as prescribed by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, or the applicable standard of the base zone district or land use, whichever is less."

While this does not necessarily mean the board will overrule Metro on zoning changes, it gives the State the authority to weigh in on things that they otherwise wouldn't have in the past. I would be willing to bet it won't be an every case occurrence, but it presumably does open a door for a lobbyist (working on behalf of possibly neighborhood associations) could step in and severely limit developments. I would think the backbone of any case of the state stepping in would have to be the FAA maps, but with the amount of horses**t that the State has thrown at Nashville, it wouldn't shock me if they irrationally started playing a game they have no business being in.

Also, "Areas including Goodlettsville, Oak Hill and Forest Hills along with the southwest corner of Nashville are left out." Coincidence? I think not

[samsonh]

11 minutes ago, Bos2Nash said:

Complete garbage move by the new airport board and the State. Continuing their ongoing temper tantrum because they couldn't throw their party in the city they love to hate on.

The article does state:

"In a statement to The Tennessean on Monday, the MNAA said the law "does not grant airport authorities veto power over development," leaving final permitting authority with the county. Federal Aviation Administration Grant Assurances require airports to "take appropriate action to assure terminal airspace is adequately cleared and protected, prevent the creation of future airport hazards" and restrict adjacent land use so it is compatible with airport operations."

but when looking at the zoning code of the Airport Overlay:

"Properties subject to the airport overlay district provisions and the specific height controls encumbering those proper-ties shall be referenced on maps maintained and periodically updated by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. In cases of discrepancy, the specific airport overlay district boundaries depicted on maps maintained by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority shall take precedence over generalized boundaries referenced on the official zoning map. Within the overlay district, the maximum permitted height of structures shall be as prescribed by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, or the applicable standard of the base zone district or land use, whichever is less."

While this does not necessarily mean the board will overrule Metro on zoning changes, it gives the State the authority to weigh in on things that they otherwise wouldn't have in the past. I would be willing to bet it won't be an every case occurrence, but it presumably does open a door for a lobbyist (working on behalf of possibly neighborhood associations) could step in and severely limit developments. I would think the backbone of any case of the state stepping in would have to be the FAA maps, but with the amount of horses**t that the State has thrown at Nashville, it wouldn't shock me if they irrationally started playing a game they have no business being in.

Also, "Areas including Goodlettsville, Oak Hill and Forest Hills along with the southwest corner of Nashville are left out." Coincidence? I think not

Score another victory for our small government proponents, lol

[MLBrumby]

The new zone does seem a bit strangely drawn, but does it assume larger aircraft travelling from overseas?  Or does it now include Tune, which may currently have a separate zone? Just asking certain questions. Could this also have the effect of going higher than the FAA currently does? I don't know a whole lot of people in the state house, but none of them even remotely sounds like they want to see Nashville punished. Granted that's not a conversation I've had with anyone in power now. I do think it's interesting that this particular item has been spelled out so precisely, and that seems to affect the basic spirit of I know about the state's "home rule" for cities. I haven't read the bill that was passed earlier this year, but when I do, I'd be very interested to see if their justification in treating Nashville differently (obviously in this case) is BECAUSE it is the state capital. But Nashville had a charter prior to becoming the capital. I believe the city's challenge is working slowly through the court. Anyone have any updates on that? 

[markhollin]

Nashville Airport does well in the new USA 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2023:

 

[Sean blackdog]

Update…..  
 
September 2023.
1,952,310 passengers. 

[Sean blackdog]

Today this evening from ……. 
https://simpleflying.com/allegiant-air-move-operations-nashville-international-airport/

[Sean blackdog]

Today this evening from Facebook. 
 

What a day celebrating some of the new concessions and retail options at BNA!  We are thrilled to expand our offerings. Help us welcome these exciting new additions: 

Acme Feed & Seed (Acme Feed & Seed)   
Hattie B's 
Kitty Hawk 
Smashville (Nashville Predators)
Slim & Husky's (Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria) 
The Titans Press Box (Tennessee Titans)
The Music City Shop 
TN Moonshine Bar

[Sean blackdog]

Today this afternoon from Facebook. 
 

This fleet of electric shuttle busses (COBUS Industries GmbH ) is ready to provide passengers with a seamless journey to and from our Satellite Concourse! Passengers will get to see sweeping views of the airfield behind-the-scenes look at airfield operations as they head to the 8-gate, freestanding concourse.  

[Sean blackdog]

Today this morning from Facebook. 
 

The new Satellite Concourse is OPEN!

The free-standing, eight-gate concourse (Gates C4 – C11) is designed to primarily accommodate the operations of Allegiant Air (Allegiant) + Spirit Airlines (Spirit Airlines). Passengers access the Satellite Concourse at the shuttle station in the main terminal, adjacent to Gate C13, and a fleet of electric shuttles run continuously. More details: https://bit.ly/3MairjB

[nashscan]

Looks great!

[Sean blackdog]

Yesterday evening. 
 

BNA Vision Plan 

International Arrivals Facility 

 

Hilton Hotel 

 

Satellite Concourse 

[Sean blackdog]

From Facebook…….

Check out the breathtaking views from above BNA, featuring our newly completed Satellite Concourse. 

[Deepdish53]

Just as an FYI - it looks like the Hilton hotel is now accepting reservations starting on February 26. Not sure if I missed any announcements about an opening date, but it seems like it might be late February.

[gannman]

Seems confusing to have 2 different Hilton airport hotels. 

[donNdonelson2]

15 minutes ago, gannman said:

Seems confusing to have 2 different Hilton airport hotels. 

Pretty well differentiated on the Hilton app

[Melrose]

22 hours ago, Deepdish53 said:

Just as an FYI - it looks like the Hilton hotel is now accepting reservations starting on February 26. Not sure if I missed any announcements about an opening date, but it seems like it might be late February.

Weren't they saying 1/1/24 (which always seemed a bit ambitious)  as recently as a month or two ago?  

[Sean blackdog]

From Tennessean…..

https://www.tennessean.com/picture-gallery/news/2023/10/31/nashville-international-airport-new-satellite-concourse/71390325007/

[MLBrumby]

Court panel rules against state in airport takeover case

A three-judge panel on Tuesday unanimously decided that the state's takeover of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority was unconstitutional.

A new airport authority board appointed mostly by the Republican governor and speakers of the House and Senate, seated since July, was vacated by the order, with the three judges ruling that the former board, appointed by Nashville's mayor, should be reinstated.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/politics/courts/court-panel-rules-against-state-in-airport-takeover-case/article_12b37528-7839-11ee-8923-335cf44a585f.html

[NashRugger]

The pointedness of the bill was so easy to see as to why it was unconstitutional. If the state tries to appeal, it'll get tossed.

[smeagolsfree]

Well, they got struck down on the Fairgrounds and BNA, let's see how they do on the Sports authority. I think they are getting sued there as well. The state lawmakers are not very good when it comes to making laws in this state. When your emotions get the best of you that is sort of what happens. There is no common sense in government anymore.

[Nathan_in_DC]

1 hour ago, smeagolsfree said:

Well, they got struck down on the Fairgrounds and BNA, let's see how they do on the Sports authority. I think they are getting sued there as well. The state lawmakers are not very good when it comes to making laws in this state. When your emotions get the best of you that is sort of what happens. There is no common sense in government anymore.

This is the inherent problem with a supermajority with a compliant governor. There are no checks inside the Capitol building anymore for bad legislation. The governor will sign off on pretty much whatever they push to his desk, and there's no 'loyal opposition' with enough power to actually influence lawmaking. The brakes on dumb ideas like this are only coming from the judiciary, but that makes for an extremely inefficient and expensive way of conducting government business.