City officials in Arlington, Wash., have locked the doors of the Air Station Flying Museum at the Arlington Airport because the nonprofit group operating the museum is behind in its rent and has failed to meet performance requirements in its lease.
“They were supposed to make improvements to the World War II era buildings, such as fixing the doors and windows, replacing the siding and painting, but it wasn’t done,” says airport manager Rob Putnam. The group also owes $18,000 in back rent.
The museum has been at the airport for nearly 10 years, but did not have regular hours and was rarely open to the public.
The museum’s board has notified the city that it will vacate the premises by April. They also said they intend to sell one of the museum’s aircraft to pay the back rent.