The Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen heard from Todd Hensley, a man of many titles but also a tenant and user of the Greeneville Municipal Airport, and spokes person representing a group that was recently formed after recent actions Hensley says left some perplexed.
Hensley is a 20 year tenant at the airport and was accompanied by about 25 people out 40 in the group. Spokesman Hensley told the board they attended for two reasons: to introduce the group but also present a challenge to the board, which was for them to take on leadership and oversight and an active role in the development of the airport.
Some reasons the group formed was due to lack of rules and regulations regarding the airport, no voice in recent annexing and zoning changes surrounding the airport, and the demotion of their most recent Airport Manager according to Hensley. The demotion left some perplexed as the airport has actually been doing great Hensley said and they’re finally financially stable for the first time in 55 years. More of a reason why the group didn’t understand the decision and lack of cause for the demotion.
Hensley added there was no strategic plan for the growth in the airport and pointed out as Greeneville grows, so does the airport. But he didn’t think the new housing development down the road from the runway was a good idea and said it will be a source of complaints. Regardless of those concerns, the airport is utilized by many large employers like Walmart, John Deere, Miller, Jost, and Parker Hannifin, and Hensley wants the board to consider the economic success the airport provides to the town.
