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The commission for the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) unanimously approved a resolution to enter a lease agreement with Aviation Sports Complex LLC. The DRBA announced the agreement on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
The developer is planning to build an 80,000-square-foot domed facility at Cape May Airport. Aviation Sports will pay the DRBA an annual rent of $0.25 per square foot, which would be $20,000 per year.
The Aviation Sports Complex at Cape May will have indoor turf fields for soccer and lacrosse events. The complex will also have courts for sports like basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and futsal.
The project also includes plans for golf simulators, space for jujitsu and wellness classes, and dining options.
"We’re very excited about bringing a much-needed indoor sports facility to the area and we appreciate all of the assistance from the DRBA, who has been instrumental in making this a viable project," developer Jamie Sutton said in a statement.
Sutton and fellow developer Bob Buglak said the indoor sports complex was inspired by the Cape May area's need for space to play sports year-round. The developers are also hoping to attract national and international tournaments to the facility.
The DRBA said the sports complex is joining more than two dozen businesses at the airport, including Cape May Brewery.
"Our organization’s vision is to be not only an innovative leader in transportation, but also a catalyst for partnered growth and prosperity in both states," said DRBA deputy executive director Stephen Williams. "Together with our partners in Cape May County, we’ve worked hard to transform Cape May Airport, creating an environment for businesses to develop and prosper.
"The sports complex has significant community support, and the airport is a central location for easy access. We’re pleased to be able to help facilitate this project for the region’s benefit."
Cape May County also announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30 that it received federal approval for a multi-tenant building at the airport. The Economic Development Authority for the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a $2.98 million grant for the "tech village" project.
The county said a 16,434-square-foot building called "Cape May County Tech Hangars II" will be built across from the county's first tech hangar.
"The board and I look forward to expanding space for occupancy to help cultivate the fast-growing technology industry," said Leonard Desiderio, director of the county's board of commissioners. "We have seen first-hand how technology can foster entrepreneurship and startups, commercialization of new technologies, as well as increased workforce development for high-skilled, good-paying jobs of the future."
The DRBA said Aviation Sports is expected to break ground on the indoor complex this spring.
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