BGRAA faced with $25K expense to satisfy tenant

The Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority is being faced with up to $25,000 of "out of pocket" expenses to satisfy some last-minute requests for the facility's new tenant, Flowers Bakery Company.

Negotiations began last fall to build a transfer station for the Hostess company, now owned by Flowers Bakery Company out of Georgia, that would serve as a drop-off and pickup location for trucks on delivery routes. Plans for the building were approved by representatives from Flowers and construction on the building has already begun, with the concrete foundation completed along with special loading dock to accommodate larger trucks.

Despite construction already being under way, BGRAA president Barrett Harrison said Flowers representatives are now saying the location of the loading dock will not work for their drivers and are asking the BGRAA to cover moving the dock, an project that could cost upwards of $25,000.

"If we say we're not going to pay for this, I don't know where that leaves us," Harrison said. "They have already signed a 10-year lease, so I guess we would just have to let the lawyers deal with it -- but I'd rather not have to do that."

The board moved to offer to cover half of the costs for relocating the loading dock, up to $12,500. Harrison said he would bring this offer to Flowers and will update board members at a later date.

In other news, Harrison also sought, and was granted, permission from the board to start talking with the Blytheville and Gosnell mayors, and the Westminster Village leadership about turning the area into a gated community. Harrison said the site has fallen victim to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of vandalism and theft in recent years, and hopes this would help cut down on the damages.

"We're getting murdered out here by vandals," Harrison said. "I know something like this would take a lot of time and conversation, but we've got to try to do something."

The board also approved the 2013 budget and welcomed newly appointed board member, Barry Ball.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com