Sheltair Celebrates New Aviation Complex at Republic Airport

With the nose of a corporate jet providing an appropriate backdrop, Sheltair has cut the ribbon on a new $55-million aviation complex at Republic Airport (FRG), East Farmingdale, joined by local community, business and government leaders.

The first three of six state-of-the-art, 31,200 square foot hangars built by BDG Construction reflect Sheltair’s strategic commitment to the busiest general aviation airport in New York. The ribbon cutting reflects years of cooperative work with the surrounding community, providing them with regular briefings on the nature of the development, its economic role and approval status.

Attending the ceremonies were Karen Williams, President, of the Woodland Civic Association based in Farmingdale; Nancy Cypser, Trustee, and Gus Cypser of Woodland, Warren Kroeppel, Chief Operating Officer of Sheltair, Helen Norgen, a Trustee, Woodland Civic Association; Tina Diamond, President, of Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale; John Lisi, President, of the Daniel Street Civic Association; in Lindenhurst, Fran Orlando, Executive Board Member/Corresponding Secretary, North Lindenhurst Civic Association; Nancy Schliwka, Secretary, Woodland Civic Association; Denis Garbo, President, Lighthouse Point Civic Association of Lindenhurst and not pictured but a key community participant is Joan Donnison, President, Bay Village Civic Association in Amityville.

Jerry Holland, founder, chairman and CEO of Sheltair, stated, “This investment reflects our company’s belief in the strength of the New York metro market, now and for generations to come. In addition, we are extremely proud of the fact our hangar development was built following years of dialogue and discussion with our neighboring community leaders who appreciated our commitment to a transparent process.

Mr. Holland also had praise for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who has long recognized the importance of general aviation in providing New York with an air bridge to a global economy. “One cannot overestimate the importance of the Governor signing into law a proposal to eliminate sales and user taxes on general aviation, ensuring a level playing field for those supporting aviation in the `Empire State.’”

An historic aviation center

Warren Kroeppel, Sheltair’s Chief Operating Officer, observed, “Through the cooperation of the community and government, we are writing a new chapter in Republic’s history by opening these 21st Century hangars, providing general aviation with an exciting new opportunity for accessing the New York metro market.”

New York State Senator John Brooks observed, “Governor Cuomo has long understood the economic power of general aviation in New York, and Republic Airport sits at the epicenter of that sector. Sheltair’s commitment to the airport, the region and its outreach to the surrounding community positions Republic to serve our region well throughout the rest of this century.”

Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer General said, “Aviation plays an essential role in priming the pump of the Long Island economy. From corporate executives flying in to sign a deal to tourists arriving for the Belmont, Republic Airport has been a destination that has meant economic strength for Long Island. This multimillion dollar Sheltair investment in a new hangar complex reflects their long term commitment to our region and a vote of full confidence in our shared future.

Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory stated, “From acting as an aerial lifeline in the event of a severe weather emergency to its daily role as entry point for investment, jobs and new economic opportunities on Long Island, Republic Airport is a key regional asset. Sheltair’s new hangar complex further strengthens that role and reflects strong cooperation with the surrounding community, business leaders and the aviation industry.”