HOUSING

Port of Olympia continues to push plans to use airport property for long-term housing

Posted

On Wednesday, the Port of Olympia continued to push its proposal to facilitate use of a parcel of its airport property to provide long-term housing.

Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam Gibboney shared that they have issued a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) asking for guidance on how to terminate deed restrictions for the property. Gibboney presented the information during the regular Port commission meeting on June 14.

The Thurston County Housing Authority seeks to purchase the former OYO Hotel (itself the former GuestHouse Inn & Suites) off of Center St., northwest of the airport, to convert it to permanent housing “for low-income seniors and neighbors with disabilities.” The property has 59 hotel rooms. 

The letter to the FAA came six months after the Port issued a proposal to enable a part of its 550-acre airport property to be used for permanent housing. Unfortunately, upon deliberation, staff determined that the Port is restricted from useing the land for housing due to provisions by the FAA, which specifies that the Port cannot use the property for residential purposes.

Gibboney previously has been quoted explaining that the Port might risk losing federal funding or that they might have to return a $22 million FAA federal grant if they violated the agreement.

Currently, the FAA has yet to issue a response regarding the Port’s request for consideration.

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  • lookoutmtn

    Well problem solved! Just call one of our illustrious Senators!!! With their vast experience in DC they can just pick up the phone and all solved!!! Re-Name the complex the 'Murray-Cantwell First Accomplishment' Inn.

    Saturday, June 19, 2021 Report this

  • Tractor1

    And it will be an apt place for for our state and federal elected "citizen lawmakers) to spend their final years.

    OOPS I forgot their pensions, health care benefits, and accumulated wealth as an elected public servants will allow them to "squat" where ever they choose and not be bothered by the fools that kept them in office.

    Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Report this