Moffett and Redevelopment
Many people would like to use some or all of the land at Moffett for one
or more other non-aviation uses, such as:
- Residential development, and/or Low-income housing
- Office and commercial development
- Parks and Recreation
- Wildlife Refuge / wetlands
- Homeless shelter
- Air and Space Museum, Hotel and Conference Center
Originally the air cargo supporters claimed that Moffett's federal status
precluded all of the above activities, but allowed air cargo through the
provisions of the Civil Reserve
Air Fleet (CRAF). However during July 1996 public hearings NASA
admitted for the first time that it did not have statuatory authority
to bring in CRAF, but that special legislation would be needed for air cargo
the same as for any other use.
When other military bases nationwide have closed, the local communities
have been able (and willing) to develop comprehensive reuse plans that have
brought much new economic development and new parks, wildlife refuges, and
open space areas. See how other California
communities are faring with base closures.
With so much prime real estate in the heart of Silicon Valley it appears
to me that a local redevelopment corporation could make plenty of money
to cover its' costs, return a healthy profit to its' government and/or private
investors, and still lease back to NASA all the facilities it needed to
operate.
Redevelopment Alternatives and Issues
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