Land Acquisition Program

Extending Runway 6-24 necessitated the acquisition of 118 residential properties near the Erie International Airport, Tom Ridge Field (ERI).  The properties acquired during this period were divided into three zones, Zones 1, 2 and 3.  Zone 1 acquisitions began in the fall of 2007 and included in and around the 1400 block of Linden Avenue.  Zone 2 included properties located in the 3200 block of West 14th Street, the 1300 block of Idaho Avenue, Riviera Estates and Powell Mobile Home Park with acquisition beginning during the fall of 2008.  Properties acquired included vacant land, single family homes and four of the five business.

The acquisition of properties in Zones 1 and 2 is primarily to protect the current RPZ as well as make way for the reconstruction of a wetland area which will be disturbed as a result of the runway improvements.

The acquisition of these properties also led to the displacement of many individuals, families and businesses.  Of the 85 individuals displaced, 14 were from single family homes and 71 from mobile home units.  All were afforded various advisory services and financial assistance.

Additional acquisition of property or property rights will be required in the future and those properties being impacted are considered to be part of Zone 3.  While no acquisitions have occurred within Zone 3, preliminary planning is underway.