ADRIAN — The waitlist is finally moving at the Lenawee County Airport.
Twelve long-held hangars are back on the market after airport officials cleared out aircraft deemed unfit to fly — a first wave in a larger plan to make better use of existing space.
Tenants with non-operational aircraft were notified that their time was up. The result? A dozen hangars are now free, with new tenants already moving in. Some of the aircraft were sold. Others simply vanished.
The move is part of a broader strategy tied to new policy amendments and long-delayed rent hikes — policies that are already prompting turnover and revenue growth. The airport still has 40 people waiting for hangars, plus four waiting on office space.
Officials praised the results, noting the balance between enforcement and flexibility as long-term tenants were given a chance to either get flying or get moving.
Commissioners say more clean-outs are expected later this year. Combined with rising rents, the airport hopes to free up funds for new equipment — and possibly future hangar construction if demand holds.