AOPA pushes to keep airport open, remove obstructions

LMC Industrial Contractors Inc., a local mechanical contracting company, erected the cranes in 2024 to offload steel from rail deliveries. However, the company did not file for permits from the local zoning authority in North Dansville.

As a result, the FAA was also never notified of the cranes because the required form—for all development exceeding 200 feet above ground level or located near public-use airports—was never filed.

A local pilot first noticed the cranes while on final approach and alerted others. Since then, the cranes have caused recurring safety and operational disruptions, as the runway is closed during LMC’s business hours.

The North Dansville Town Board first discussed how to correct the situation from a zoning perspective, but the conversation shifted toward possibly closing the airport altogether.

In response, AOPA sent a letter to town leaders outlining their obligation to keep the airport open and to remove the safety hazards. In it, AOPA Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins pointed out North Dansville is in violation of federal grant assurances because of its “subsequent failure to permanently resolve these obstructions.”

“AOPA is aware that LMC previously held the management contract for the airport and, therefore, should have been aware of the risks associated with placing obstructions within the approach to the runway, including the obligation to comply with the FAA’s airspace evaluation process,” Collins wrote. “These actions suggest LMC shows a willful disregard for rules, as well as public safety. By creating an unacceptable risk to aviation, which the town of North Danville has now allowed to persist for well over a year, LMC has created potential liability for the town.”

Dansville has accepted more than $3.5 million in federal Airport Improvement Program grants over the last two decades. Those grants typically require the airport to remain open for 20 years. However, grants used for acquisition of land obligate the property for aviation use in perpetuity. North Dansville has accepted two such grants.

“Thankfully, no one has been hurt yet as a result of LMC’s actions,” Collins said. “For the moment, DSV illustrates a rather egregious example of a municipality’s failure to act responsibly for the protection of its residents. If there is a silver lining, it is that by working with local leaders on these issues, we can help pave the way for renewed investment in the airport and ensure its long-term safety and sustainability.”

According to a New York State Department of Transportation economic report, the airport supports 12 jobs, generates nearly $500,000 in income, and contributes more than $1 million annually to the local economy.

“This is exactly the kind of local issue where AOPA steps in to protect airports and the pilots who rely on them,” AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Leon Jackler said. “General aviation airports like Dansville are essential community assets, and we’ll continue advocating for their safe and sustained operation.”