A newly released Advanced Air Mobility Feasibility Study identifies areas where private companies could potentially develop vertiports under current regulations. The study also outlines recommendations for how Orange County should evaluate future proposals before any facilities are approved.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re laying the groundwork there, a lot of folks that have expressed interest, want to have meetings, and kind of share what their companies are,\u201d said County Commissioner Michael Scott. \u201cWe\u2019ve been behind sometimes when it comes to infrastructure versus the need and so this is us getting ahead of the infrastructure needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scott represents District 6, which includes the International Drive corridor. The county-commissioned study identifies that area as one of the strongest candidates for a future vertiport because of its location and proximity to Orlando International Airport, the convention center, and the proposed Sunshine Corridor<\/a> rail expansion.<\/p>\n The feasibility study does not approve any future projects. Instead, it serves as a planning document intended to guide how Orange County evaluates proposals if developers submit applications.<\/p>\n Among its recommendations, the study calls for notifying residents, property owners, and stakeholders within one mile of any proposed vertiport and holding public meetings before projects move forward.<\/p>\n When asked what assurances he could give people living near a potential vertiport that their concerns would carry weight.<\/p>\n \u201cI actually live in that area in Tangelo, and so for me, it\u2019s making sure that I have consistent conversations with the different community associations,\u201d said Scott.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s new technology, so a little bit of it\u2019s scary, especially with drones and so many things,\u201d he said. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s making sure, if nothing else, there is always a pathway to a conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n County commissioners say staff will spend the coming months studying zoning, public input requirements, and how vertiports could be regulated locally before any policy changes are considered.<\/p>\n Scott said the planning effort is expected to continue for some time, but said this is a step toward vertiports coming.<\/p>\n Orange County has not approved a single vertiport, nor has any developer submitted a formal application.<\/p>\n For now, county leaders say the focus is on writing the rules before those proposals arrive.<\/p>\n SEE FULL STUDY BELOW:<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n