The only problem is that many of the former bases are unable to easily make the transition - and for many good reasons. For more information on this topic, consult these web sites. Military Base Conversion and Surplus Property Provides information on military airfields in the process of being converted to civilian use. ICMA Military Base Reuse Consortium Information on recent developments in base closure and reuse legislation. One of the major issues at play in this type of redevelopment is the expertise of the development company itself, as well as its strategic alliances offering experience in such things as major land repositioning, the aviation industry and logistics.
Military transference can present a sizeable lag time, sometimes lasting as long as four years.
The danger in lag time, besides the fact that development is put on hold for so long, is the possibility of the site deteriorating and developing potentially dangerous environmental contaminants that might have otherwise been averted. Another large concern is the reaction of the community and whether it is supportive of the redevelopment. In addition, a developer must take into account the military base itself. When Stirling Airports International was faced with this question, its aviation expert looked at all of the factors that would make the perfect site for reuse. Searching for some of the largest pieces of land left in Southern California for the development of a cargo airport, Stirling began exploring closed military bases, particularly Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, March Air Force Base in Riverside and George Air Force Base in Victorville.