Regional Affairs

Let reason prevail in San Diego County

Land-use planning has stirred up a hornet's nest in San Diego County. AOPA is urging everyone to calm down, listen to all sides, and make rational choices that will protect both the interests of local communities and their airports. And in regard to a June 30 deadline to complete the county's airport land-use compatibility plan, AOPA told the regional airport authority, "We would urge you to ensure this date does not become an artificial barrier to the county's need to develop clear, concise, and appropriate airport land-use plans based on state standards." AOPA asked for the opportunity for public comment on any changes to draft plans. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is charged with updating land-use master plans around the area's airports, including Oceanside, McClellan-Palomar, Gillespie, and Montgomery Field airports. Although the authority's actions are more advisory than regulatory, some local communities have felt their zoning authority was being usurped while some pilots have felt the plans were too pro-development.

May 13, 2005