Residents near Van Nuys Airport feel heard, but they’re still angry
They want a better airport and believe the city needs to be more proactive with the development of the next generation of transportation options.
When you ask people of color what the most controversial topic in town is, they all cite the airport, as if it’s a common concern — and when you ask African-Americans about it, they’ll all mention the airport as the cause as well.
“We love it, but we want it better,” said Liza, a Van Nuys resident who was among several dozen community members who attended the March 19 City Council meeting to express their opinions on the airport.
Van Nuys Airport’s expansion was one of the first issues discussed by Councilman Bob Blumenfield (D) and the Mayor during their last meeting on Feb. 23.
After hearing from several dozen residents who expressed concerns regarding the airport expansion project, the council passed a motion with an 11-3 vote that required the consultant who will be working with the airport to make their findings publicly available in 30 days.
In addition, two new studies regarding airport expansions must be completed by April 30 and the city must have a master plan in place before the airport can be expanded again.
The second meeting of the public is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
If you or your community would like to attend the meeting, the meetings are free and open to the public.
The city is asking that you RSVP in advance by calling 562-399-2926 or by emailing [email protected].
If you’re attending the meeting, please share the information you’ve gathered on the community meeting page, on the city website, by email or in person.
Once the community is provided more information regarding the proposed airport expansion, the council will make a decision as to whether to approve.
The plan calls for the creation of a new, single runway for a terminal building, which could be built by 2020.
The airport expansion will increase the airport’s total capacity from 1.7 million passengers per year to 1.9 million