A Better Preservation and Interpretative Experience
Facts about the Master Plan:
- The Master Plan is meant to present a “big picture” of a phased development of the site and its buildings, so that the local community and municipalities can understand the intended scope of the project. It is not meant to be read as an immediate construction plan – each element will undergo the standard rigorous process for local, community and environmental approval.
- The plan is that the Aerodrome will survive and thrive as an airport facility and unique cultural experience that is valued by local residents and visitors from across the globe. In its heyday, the airshow attracted thousands of people each weekend, and now this number is down to the low hundreds. With the renovations and evolution of the facility over time, we hope visitation might rise somewhat but we do not envision this plan resulting in a return to anywhere near the numbers of the past. The priority is preservation, not revenue generation.
- The current facility is on 130 acres, has 30 buildings and two driveways. Eleven of these buildings will be removed or replaced (some combined) due to their dilapidated state or lack of utility. The replacement buildings are being designed with the utmost sensitivity to the historic look and feel, and conformance with community character with many facades and materials being re-used in the process.
- It is important to note that the charm of crumbling hangers cannot compete with the need of weather-protection for the planes nor the needs of visitors looking for a safe and comfortable experience. The buildings will fit with the scale and aesthetic to not overwhelm the site. It will be a point of pride to the neighborhood, which otherwise hosts a town trash facility and dog park.
- One benefit to the size of the property its history is that it has a large space for parking, though it is in rough condition today. It will be re-graded and the majority of it will remain grassed. Similar to other nearby venues that use their grassy fields for peak times, the Aerodrome could manage at least 400 cars in this green environment.
- The Aerodrome will continue to host special events – appropriate approvals are obtained for food and libations for such events, and they are made to conform to local hours and noise regulations for music. There is no current plan for a liquor license.
- There is no plan to expand the hours of operation per day – in fact it has been reduced in recent years. Nor is there any plan to add to the number of flying days or the types of planes that would use the Aerodrome – The runway is suitable for vintage and light, general aviation aircraft only. It will not be a public or commercial airport, and aircraft landing there can only do so with tightly controlled permission.
- The collection will remain open for public viewing outside of flight days, for educational visits and general public interest in aviation beyond the airshows.
- Safety of the flight operations is of paramount concern to the Aerodrome. In over 60 years we have not once harmed a resident or their property, and operate with strict rules about what kind of flying can be done inside and outside the aerobatic box. All planes and pilots are under strict annual FAA certifications and nationally there has not been a spectator fatality in this kind of airshow in 75 years.
See the Master Plan presentation to the Red Hook Planning Board.