Efforts to modernize Lakewood Airport and its surrounding properties continue to gain momentum, with the state awarding a $410,000 grant to support its master plan improvements.
The grant is part of the FY25 Airport Improvement Program, which includes 12 grants totaling over $5.9 million in state funds and an additional $800,000 in FAA matching grants aimed at improving safety and infrastructure at 11 airports across New Jersey. The funding is intended to enhance safety, remove obstructions, rehabilitate existing facilities, and make capital improvements.
The grant comes after initial approvals were secured for a major redevelopment project at Lakewood Airport, which includes a public-private partnership to construct a permanent terminal, replace the existing temporary facility, and develop office buildings, eateries, and a corporate conference center on adjacent properties.
The neighboring land, formerly owned by the Bathgate Law Firm, was purchased by local developer Simcha Ingber, who is working with Lakewood Industrial Commission (LIC) on the project. According to Lakewood Director of Development Steven Reinman, the agreement outlines revenue-sharing parameters between the LIC and Ingber, ensuring financial benefits for both parties.
As part of the redevelopment plan, LIC has agreed to lease a section of the airport property for overflow parking for the new office buildings, which are expected to rise to 97 feet after receiving a height variance from the Zoning Board.
While the project has made significant progress, further regulatory approvals are still required, including compliance with CAFRA regulations, coordination with county road authorities, and finalization of the P3 agreement, public hearings, and mayoral review.
The $410,000 grant awarded to Lakewood Airport is part of a broader effort by the Murphy Administration to improve New Jersey’s general aviation infrastructure. To date, the state has invested more than $40.7 million in general aviation airports, leveraging an additional $79 million in federal grants and $8.5 million from airport owners, totaling $128.2 million in funding for aeronautics improvements statewide.
FAA owns the airport not Lakewood Township