Airport Board heeds AOPA's concerns on Long Beach project
Los Angeles County's Airport Land Use Commission recently passed a significant but non-binding resolution in opposition to residential development right next to Long Beach/Daugherty Field. The move adds weight to a case AOPA has been making for years against incompatible land use near the field to ensure the airport's long-term viability and safety. AOPA has lobbied the airport manager, mayor, city council, FAA, members of Congress, and other key individuals. The 1,400 residential units that are being considered for construction several hundred yards north of the airport would be part of a larger development called Douglas Park, which Boeing has planned for on the grounds of a former McDonnell-Douglas aircraft plant. Because the commission didn't anticipate that the property would fall out of aviation-related use, it no longer has jurisdiction over the land. AOPA has an ongoing concern, at many airports like Long Beach, about residential encroachment around airports. "Perceived noise problems routinely lead to local controversy and proposals to restrict airport operations," AOPA California Regional Representative John Pfeifer told the commission.
January 7, 2005
