OSWEGO, KS.--- "Blood and sweat made that place what it is out there now. It wasn't that desirable of a farm when I bought it, and now it's quite desirable," states Bret Middleswart, Property Owner.
Bret Middleswart owns the property directly west of the Oswego Airport, land the city would like to acquire.
"At this time, we're dealing through the airport development group, and they're doing the negotiations for the land. We're trying to purchase the land from this one individual," states Glenn Fischer, Oswego Mayor.
Oswego Mayor Glenn Fischer says ideally the city would build new air craft hangars at the airport, along with possibly putting in new businesses around it. The money for the project would be provided through the Federal Aviation Administration.
Oswego is the county seat of Labette County, and the airport itself is located in Cherokee County, just east of Oswego. Cherokee County Commissioner Richard Hilderbrand says several land owners have approached the commission about the possible expansion, and the owners weren't pleased.
"You have farmers out there, and that's their livelihood, and they kind of need that land out there to provide for themselves," states Richard Hilderbrand, Cherokee County Commissioner.
Mayor Fischer says the city is willing to be transparent in their plans, and is even willing to meet with Cherokee County commissioners to answer any questions they may have about plans at the airport. At the end of the day, Middleswart says he has no intention of selling his land.
"I've got a lot invested, and I'm not willing to give that up," says Middleswart.
KSN did ask Mayor Fischer about the possibility of the city using eminent domain to acquire Middleswart's land. He says eminent domain is the last resort they want to consider, and will pursue negotiations to try and buy the land out-right.
Bret Middleswart owns the property directly west of the Oswego Airport, land the city would like to acquire.
"At this time, we're dealing through the airport development group, and they're doing the negotiations for the land. We're trying to purchase the land from this one individual," states Glenn Fischer, Oswego Mayor.
Oswego Mayor Glenn Fischer says ideally the city would build new air craft hangars at the airport, along with possibly putting in new businesses around it. The money for the project would be provided through the Federal Aviation Administration.
Oswego is the county seat of Labette County, and the airport itself is located in Cherokee County, just east of Oswego. Cherokee County Commissioner Richard Hilderbrand says several land owners have approached the commission about the possible expansion, and the owners weren't pleased.
"You have farmers out there, and that's their livelihood, and they kind of need that land out there to provide for themselves," states Richard Hilderbrand, Cherokee County Commissioner.
Mayor Fischer says the city is willing to be transparent in their plans, and is even willing to meet with Cherokee County commissioners to answer any questions they may have about plans at the airport. At the end of the day, Middleswart says he has no intention of selling his land.
"I've got a lot invested, and I'm not willing to give that up," says Middleswart.
KSN did ask Mayor Fischer about the possibility of the city using eminent domain to acquire Middleswart's land. He says eminent domain is the last resort they want to consider, and will pursue negotiations to try and buy the land out-right.
