Frequently Asked Questions
Willow Grove Naval Air Station
Can the base still be saved?
No....
Why is a civilian airport a bad idea?
A civilian airport at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station will deteriorate life in Horsham and the surrounding communities. The track record of health hazards, pollution, noise, decreased property value and traffic are well known components of airports.
What is the most likely use of the base if it's not an airport?
It's too early to tell, but there are many options... including open space, commercial development, or residential development. The most likely scenario is what is known as "mixed use" - some combination of all of these aspects.
When is the base slated to close?
Willow Grove Naval Air Station is scheduled to officially close in 2011
Why is the base closing?
The BRAC commission chose the closing of Willow Grove Naval Air Base as part of its plan to reshape our base infrastructure to optimize military readiness.
Who owns WAB?
The military is responsible for conveyance to new owners
Who decides on the reuse of the former base?
BRAC statute states that the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) is responsible for preparing the redevelopment plan or for directing the implementation of the plan. Additionally, before any action may be taken for the disposal of any surplus real property or facility located at any military installation to be closed or realigned, the Secretary of Defense consults with the Governor of the State and the heads of the local governments. The purpose of consultation is to consider any plan for the use of the property by local communities concerned. This consultation is typically through the LRA.
Where is the WAB site?
The air station is located on Route 611 in Horsham Township, Montgomery County, approximately 20 miles north of Philadelphia. The main gate of NAS Willow Grove fronts Route 611, which runs south four miles to the Pa turnpike
How large is WAB?
Approx 1200 Acres
Land Reuse Authority
Who is on our LRA?
Comprised of a seven person panel
When does the LRA meet?
The LRA had its first meeting Wednesday November 16th, 2005 and starting Jan. 18, the authority will meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 3 until 4:30 p.m
What are the typical phases an LRA goes through?
- Organization: Communities in the vicinity of the installation organize to form a “Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA)” responsible for preparation of a redevelopment plan and potentially the implementation of the plan. LRAs are established locally, sometimes with State assistance, and are formally recognized by the Department of Defense, through OEA. The LRA provides leadership and builds consensus for base redevelopment, and it is extremely important so a community can speak with one voice.
- Planning: A redevelopment plan is to be prepared as a guide for all disposal and redevelopment actions. This plan: a) reflects a community consensus for base redevelopment; b) balances local homeless needs with other economic redevelopment needs; c) provides the basis for title transfer under an Economic Development Conveyance, where applicable; d) is to be given substantial deference in a Military Department property disposal environmental assessment; and e) is the basis for community requests for personal property disposal. This plan also serves as a baseline for local general plan and development regulation changes for the property.
- Implementation: the extent to which the affected community is engaged in implementing redevelopment of an installation is determined by several local factors. For instance, some communities with high property demand may elect to assume existing land development roles with an emphasis on development controls and impact fees for public infrastructure. Other communities in more challenging redevelopment circumstances may choose to operate as public redevelopment authorities to ensure that reuse is initiated, accelerated, and sustained.
BRAC
What is BRAC?
"BRAC" is an acronym that stands for Base Realignment and Closure. It is the congressionally authorized process DoD has previously used to reorganize its base structure to more efficiently and effectively support our forces, increase operational readiness and facilitate new ways of doing business. (The original legislation actually states that the title of the process is Base Closure and Realignment.)
What's the timeline for this BRAC round?
There are several significant events taking place throughout the remainder of 2005. The following is a general timeline of significant events.
May 16, 2005: Not later than this date, the Secretary of Defense must publish in the Federal Register and transmit to the Congressional Defense Committees and the Commission, a list of the military installations that the Secretary of Defense recommends for closure or realignment.
July 1, 2005: Not later than this date, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the Congressional Defense Committees, a report containing a detailed analysis of the Secretary of Defense's recommendations and selection process.
September 8, 2005: Not later than this date; the Commission must transmit to the President a report containing its findings and conclusions based on a review and analysis of the Secretary of Defense's recommendations.
September 23, 2005: Not later than this date, the President shall transmit to the Commission and to the Congress, a report containing the President's approval or disapproval of the Commission s recommendations. If the President approves the recommendations, the recommendations are binding 45 legislative days after Presidential transmission or adjournment, unless Congress enacts joint resolution of disapproval. |
