ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer is calling on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to rescind eviction notices issued to tenants at Aeroflex-Andover Airport, joining state lawmakers who have also urged the department to put the evictions on hold.
Gottheimer, D-5th District, toured the airport and spoke Monday after the DEP moved to evict Andover Flight Academy, an aircraft maintenance shop and several aircraft owners from hangar space at the state-owned airport.
Gottheimer said he is sending a letter to Gov. Mikie Sherrill and DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak asking the state to rescind the notices and work with tenants, local officials and his office on a plan that would allow the businesses to remain at the airport.
He is also asking Potosnak to tour the airport with him and provide additional information about the state’s plans for the hangar complex.
“I’m frustrated, and so are the people standing next to me,” Gottheimer said. “I’m not going to let you guys get thrown out. It’s not happening. We’re going to fight this thing.”
The congressman raised questions about the DEP’s justification for the evictions after touring the airport, including the condition of the buildings and the amount of space available to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Gottheimer disputed claims about the condition of the flight school’s office and said running water was available at the facility. He also questioned the need to remove tenants to provide additional space for the Forest Fire Service, saying his tour showed available space in the agency’s designated hangar area.
The DEP previously told RNJ that Aeroflex-Andover Airport would remain open as a public-use airport despite plans to reduce the size of its aging hangar complex.
A physical conditions assessment commissioned by the Forest Fire Service and completed in September 2024 identified structural cracking, water damage and concerns involving structural integrity, electrical system safety and compliance with building codes and environmental regulations.
The DEP told RNJ in August that reducing the hangar complex would likely require demolition of a significant portion of the existing structure. Once completed, the hangar would be reduced in size to meet the operational needs of the Forest Fire Service’s aviation program.
The 2024 assessment estimated that demolishing the existing hangar and control tower and constructing replacement facilities would cost $10.9 million. The DEP said in August that the estimated 2026 construction cost, adjusted for inflation, was between $12 million and $12.5 million, not including design, permitting, environmental review or other project-related expenses.
Gottheimer on Monday cited different figures from the state’s engineering assessment, saying renovations would cost approximately $4.7 million while demolition would cost about $8 million. He said construction of a replacement building for the Forest Fire Service would cost more than $11 million.
Gottheimer also said a licensed engineer who inspected the property found the buildings to be in fair condition with no outstanding code violations and estimated targeted repairs would cost approximately $267,000.
The DEP had 18 interior aircraft storage permits within the hangar when it discussed its plans with WRNJ in August.
The department said at the time that it had no plans to close Aeroflex-Andover Airport and that the airport would remain open for public use, with outdoor grass tie-down rental space available for aircraft.
Gottheimer argued that outdoor storage is not a suitable alternative for some aircraft housed at Aeroflex-Andover, including antique planes with fabric coverings that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to weather.
He also said the airport and its businesses draw pilots to Sussex County and noted that Andover Flight Academy provides specialized training for pilots learning to land on short runways and in open fields, including military pilots.
Gottheimer criticized what he described as a lack of transparency from the DEP, saying his office has repeatedly sought information and a timeline from the department.
He is asking that no tenants be evicted until the state establishes a clear timeline and develops a plan that does not displace the businesses operating at the airport.
The congressman’s call comes after state Sen. Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, all Republicans representing the 24th Legislative District, issued a joint statement Saturday urging the DEP to put the eviction notices on hold.
The lawmakers have proposed allowing an outside entity to manage Aeroflex-Andover Airport, which they said would allow the DEP and Forest Fire Service to focus on their primary responsibilities.
“We urge the DEP to put these eviction notices on hold while that option receives full and fair consideration,” the lawmakers said Saturday. “Sussex County is a transportation desert. Reducing offerings at one of the county’s only two airports does not serve the best interests of its residents.”
Gottheimer was joined Monday by Andover Township Mayor Thomas D. Walsh Jr., Andover Flight Academy founder Damien DelGaizo and academy owner Justine Pasniewski.
