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DeKalb County Advances 50-Year Sky Harbour Hangar Deal at PDK in 6–1 Vote

A $45 million plan for eight private hangars moves forward under a long-term ground lease with projected revenues exceeding $576 million.

Overview

  • The development covers about 13 acres on PDK’s east side under a ground lease that county officials say requires no public capital.
  • County projections total roughly $576.6 million over 50 years, including about $211.2 million to DeKalb, with revenue shared among the county, schools and the City of Chamblee.
  • Sky Harbour was the sole respondent to the 2023 RFP and says basing aircraft already using PDK will reduce repositioning flights, with around 600 jobs expected across construction and operations.
  • Commissioner Michelle Long Spears cast the lone no vote as residents and advocacy groups continued objections over noise, emissions and traffic.
  • An air quality and noise study is underway with final results due by summer 2026, with preliminary findings described as minimal; construction would follow final agreements alongside a $1 million yearly reinvestment and a new Friends of PDK advisory group.