Zephyrhills will pay lease to settle suit

About $54,000 over 30 years will be paid to a businessman with property near the municipal airport.

By MOLLY MOORHEAD
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 19, 2003

ZEPHYRHILLS -- City officials have agreed to pay a businessman's lease on access to the municipal airport for the next 30 years, settling a lawsuit and preserving the city's hopes for future airport improvement grants.

Orlando attorney Pat Phillips represented the city in mediation. He said the settlement reached last week benefits both sides.

"It accomplishes what the airport needs, and that's to make sure . . . tenants meet certain minimum standards so the airport qualifies for federal and state grants," he said. "Mr. (Don) Snider continues with his property, and he agrees to meet certain standards."

Snider runs an outdoor decorating company from property he owns adjacent to the airport. He sued the city in circuit court in April, demanding a 30-year extension on his lease -- for free -- granting him unfettered airport access through the airport fence.

Snider told officials he doesn't need access to the airport for his business, but that the leased access makes his property more valuable to a prospective buyer.

City officials disputed the validity of the 1973 lease granting the access. The city offered Snider $405,000 for his property to end the dispute. Snider sought $550,000.

Instead, the city will pay roughly $54,000 over 30 years, or $150 a month, on the lease.

Airport manager Jim Werme said that despite appearances, the agreement is best for the city.

"For (the city) to pay doesn't look right, but when you see what they gained, it worked out," he said.

The airport was in danger of losing eligibility for federal and state grants if it was determined that Snider had an unfair business advantage. Werme said the settlement eliminates that risk and allows the airport to grow.

"From this day, we'll move forward. Everything looks really good," Werme said. "There shouldn't be any squabbles over leases."

Snider, too, said he is pleased with the outcome.

"I'm happy," Snider said. "It's all over. I can stop worrying about it."

-- Molly Moorhead covers news about Zephyrhills. She can be reached at (352) 521-5757, ext. 29 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6108, then 29. Her e-mail address is moorhead@sptimes.com .

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