How to sound off on Hanscom Navy hangar-refit proposal

Developers are moving forward with their effort to bring an autonomous-flight company to an old Navy hangar at Hanscom Field. 

Following a June 2 filing, Concordians can let the state know how they feel. 

North Airfield Ventures and Runway Realty Ventures filed their notice of project change with the state earlier this month to pull the decades-old building out of their larger hangar expansion project. 

The developers aren’t backing off the new hangars. But as they court Boston-based Merlin Labs to lease space in the existing building, they want to fast-track renovations. 

New plans would revamp the rusting structure on the Bedford side of Hanscom. Developers want to add 140 parking spaces and reconstruct an airplane taxiway from the hangar to the runway.

If they finalize a deal, Merlin would be the building’s anchor tenant. In the notice to state regulators, project backer Michael Argiros said the hangar renovation “would not result in significant environmental effects.” 

While supporters cite a relatively low number of projected Merlin flights, critics still worry about pollution and noise. 

The recent project filing notes a web of federal, state, and local review before crews break ground. The developers want a waiver from part of the state’s process and warn that “delay would result in undue hardship.” 

Without naming Merlin, Argiros said the waiver would help “secure and attract innovative research companies with aeronautical research employment opportunities.” 

The notice of project change is available by visiting eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/EEA/MEPA-eMonitor/home, clicking “notices of project change,” and navigating to the Hanscom project.

Project spokesperson Andy Paven said the developers requested an extension and expect the public comment window will run through July 25. The developers will hold a public information session on June 25 via Zoom.