MIAMI TWP., Montgomery County - The city of Dayton is inviting developers to submit proposals for commercial development of about 150 acres at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport, more than onefourth of the airport's total of 527 acres.

The land at the northeast corner of the Dayton-owned airport will become more attractive for commercial use when Ohio opens the nearby Austin Pike interchange along Interstate 75 in autumn 2010. In addition, the location is near some of Dayton's more affluent suburbs, including Centerville, Springboro, Miamisburg and Washington Twp.

"I think there is a pretty good chance for development in that area," said Iftikhar Ahmad, Dayton's director of aviation, who oversees the airport. "We are basically gauging interest, at this point."

Dayton is asking developers to submit a plan for commercial development of the entire 150 acres. The developer selected for the project would be required to lease the land for 40 years from Dayton, which would retain ownership. Tax revenues from any development would be split between Dayton and Miami Twp., because the land is within a joint economic development district they formed in 2005.

The revenues could help Dayton maintain the airport, Ahmad said.

Dayton's request for proposals allows developers time to mull the possibilities, at a time when the recession has slowed development projects. City officials won't open the proposals until Feb. 19, 2010.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com