The grinding, contentious, decades-long battle over operations at the Santa Monica Airport seems to be over with a victory for residents and NIMBYism.
But is it really over? Many questions remain concerning the airport, which has played an important role in Southern California’s air transportation system. Lawsuits also may cloud the airport’s future.
In a surprise deal, the federal government and the city of Santa Monica have reached an agreement to close the airport, but not until 2028.
The deal will allow the city to carry out plans to turn the 227-acre property into a park.
In the meantime, the city will be able to shorten the single runway from nearly 5,000 feet to 3,500 feet, thus reducing the number of flights by larger jets.
For years, many residents have complained about the airport’s noise and pollution problems. Safety also has been a concern, highlighted when movie star Harrison Ford, flying a restored World War II trainer, crashed on Penmar Golf Course after takeoff in 2015.
But the airport has not always been the center of controversy.
At one time, the airport was the home of Douglas Aircraft, which employed thousands of workers building C-47 and C-54 military cargo planes during World War II.
But after the war, the first anti-airport signs surfaced, and Douglas, frustrated by its inability to extend runways at Santa Monica, moved to Long Beach Airport.
Since then, there has been an endless series of moves to close or restrict operations at the Santa Monica facility.
Many observers feel that Santa Monica Airport is critical to serving regional transportation needs. No commercial jets use the airport, but it is used by corporate and chartered jets and recreational aircraft.
There were approximately 90,000 takeoffs and landings by these aircraft in 2015.
If Santa Monica Airport closes, where will these planes go?
A likely place is Los Angeles International, an already busy airport which would see more private jets competing with commercial jets. Other regional airports also could be affected.
It’s unfortunate that this hostile battle could not have been settled in a more compromising manner, but NIMBYism is an inflexible opponent.
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