The Port of South Whidbey is considering granting an “air space” easement to Paul and Pam Schell who own property adjacent to the port’s Langley Marina.

A draft document granting the air space was presented at Tuesday’s port meeting but not acted upon. President Curt Gordon suggested checking with the state RCO office, which helped acquire the marina property, and further legal review before proceeding.

The Schells, who have an interest in the nearby Boatyard Inn, are trying to build a house next to the marina. The document doesn’t say how much air space they need, but Ed Field, port manager, said earlier it’s only about 18 inches above the edge of the port’s property. There would be no charge. The draft document states the space would be granted in appreciation of the Schells’ unsolicited donation of tidelands “without the promise of anything of value in return,” in 2009. The donation was made as partners in the Boatyard Inn. Field estimated they gave 50,000 square feet of tidelands to the port to help with the marina expansion effort.

If the air space is granted, use of the property underneath would not change. It would remain in use for parking and recreational marina-related activities allowed by state grant funding, according to the document.