Bassler's father owned a large strategic parcel and airfield where Howard Research Associates intended to build the development of Columbia, Maryland.

Bassler exchanged land to avoid capital gains for a 504-acre Hayland farm in nearby Clarksville, Maryland where he established Haysfield Airport and a tree nursery.

[3][4] There were efforts to convert the airport to public use, but the NSA and Maryland Aviation Administration opposed the plan.

[5] After the September 11th attacks, a series of highly restrictive airspace changes now called the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area overlapped the field slowing business.

[6] In 2013, the airfield was closed by the Bassler family corporation in a 5 to 3 vote in order to create the 159 unit Walnut Creek housing development.