Lee's Summit Municipal Airport is in the middle of expanding its runway.
Airport authorities say expanding the runway from 4,000 feet to 5,500 feet will make way for larger planes that carry more fuel. That means more money and business.
"We’ve been approached by a couple different firms in the last two weeks about possibly relocating their business to Lee’s Summit. The airport being close to their business is a key component of their business plan," Deputy Director of Public Works Bob Hartnett said. "Had we not had the plans in works, I don’t think either of these firms probably would have been in contact with us."
Some neighbors are worried about increased traffic and crashes, like the fatal accident in September. Others are interested.
Related: Two people dead after plane crash at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport
"It should increase the property [values] of all the properties around here. It should be a lot more money," David Hartsock said, who lives down the road.
"It used to be more of a hobby airport, 10, 15, 20 years ago. It’s becoming much of a business center now. There are a bunch of businesses that are in this part of Lee’s Summit and Jackson County that are utilizing the airport," Hartnett said.
A tower is part of the future plans to deal with more traffic.
Pavement should go down in April, and the project should be done by October.
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