DRBA, County Respond to Resdel Letter

To the Editor: 
After reading the letter to the editor, “Business ‘Forced to Relocate’ from County Airport,” on the Cape May County Herald’s website, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), as operator of the Cape May County Airport and Cape May County, believe it’s important to correct the record and provide additional background information to the public related to the decision of Resdel Corporation to relocate to Atlantic County.
The DRBA and Cape May County have worked intently and collaboratively to develop a promising master plan for the long under-developed Cape May County Airport, designating areas at the airport for various purposes – including industrial, retail, aviation, and governmental uses. Significant investments are being made by the county and the DRBA in order for the airport to progress toward a vision of renewed activity, productivity, and opportunity. 
Resdel was operating at the airport for several years under a holdover provision in an expired lease. Last year, DRBA provided Resdel with a one-year notice that it would not enter into a new lease at Resdel’s current location in order to strategically repurpose that site in accordance with the master plan. The county and the DRBA made clear to Resdel’s management that they wanted Resdel to remain at the airport and be part of the new plan for the airport.  
Throughout the summer of 2016, DRBA and county officials proactively negotiated with Resdel’s owners on the terms of a long-term lease for a new site at the airport. The negotiations progressed to the point where the DRBA and Resdel reached an agreement in principle. As a result, the DRBA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution which not only authorized a new lease with Resdel but also had the DRBA contributing $60,000 toward site preparation and utilities. The county also agreed to provide financial support to aid Resdel in its relocation. In addition, a short-term lease for Resdel’s current location was negotiated to allow time for Resdel to build its new facility.
The DRBA and county desire a diversity of business activity, including manufacturing, at the airport. While we regret the loss of Resdel and its associated jobs and economic activity, the DRBA and county did not force Resdel out of the airport or out of Cape May County. To the contrary, the owners of Resdel opted to relocate their business because they found a location in Atlantic County that they apparently felt was more financially attractive. The DBRA and the county are disappointed to see Resdel leave the airport and particularly dismayed that Resdel’s employees will suffer as a result of a business decision made by the owners of the company.    
The airport is currently undergoing a significant transformation to improve infrastructure and add facilities that will attract new companies, facilitate the growth of its existing tenants, and create new job opportunities for the residents of Cape May County. The DRBA and the county are committed to the long-term redevelopment and economic growth of the airport.
The author is the public information officer for Delaware River Bay Authority (DRBA).