Syracuse City Lawmakers get to decide next week on whether or not to approve a proposed $50 million dollar renovation of Hancock International Airport. Some of the features will include a new canopy to protect passengers from the elements, and a glass facade will allow more natural light into the airport. Commissioner Chris Callahan describes it as a completely new experience.
“We really want to introduce a lot of warmth through natural light, through a glass facade and completely renovated grand hall that is iconic and gives Syracuse the branding and the image that we’re looking for, and improvements to the concourses where passengers wait to board the aircraft. We want it to be comfortable. We want there to be lots of outlets to plug in all of your devices.”
The airport was built in 1962 and the most recent renovations happened in 2013 to address new TSA security screening guidelines. Even though the airport is run by the Airport Authority, Callahan says city lawmakers must vote on the project because the price tag exceeds $10 million.
“We’ve been entrusted with the city’s airport and they just want to ensure that we’re making decisions that are financially responsible, that fit within the general mission of what we’re trying to do with the airport, because it’s still the city’s airport.”
Over the years, Councilor Khalid Bay says he’s heard from business people that that airport is not inviting enough.
“To build out or expand the airport, to add some additional amenities, you know, to make it more attractive to businesses will go a long way in improving our economy.”
Taxpayers are off the hook for the entire project. The rest will be picked-up by the federal government, the Airport Authority and $1 million dollars from Onondaga County. City lawmakers will vote on the airport renovation project next Monday.
