SANTA MONICA—Canyon News reported back in May that the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the city of Santa Monica against the Federal Aviation Administration in the city’s lawsuit over the use of land currently garnered by the Santa Monica Airport.
On Tuesday, July 26, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a motion to consider a resolution to close the Santa Monica Airport by June 30, 2018, or as soon as legally permitted.
City Council has directed staff to bring a proposed resolution to its August 23, meeting.
In 2014, the city of Santa Monica voted to pass Ballot Measure LC, which indicated if the Airport were to be shut down to aviation uses, it would mandate the land to be used for parks, open space, and recreational facilities, unless the voters of Santa Monica decide otherwise.
“We are committed to reclaiming our land and this motion gets us closer to protecting the health and safety of our residents, and to transitioning the Airport land to better uses, uses the community has asked for at the ballot box,” said Mayor Tony Vazquez in a press release. Mayor Vazquez introduced the motion with Mayor Pro Tempore Ted Winterer.
The Council is also looking for ways to create less impact of the Santa Monica Airport on the city and directed the City Manager to report back with some resolution options. This includes environmental analysis under the California Environment Quality Act to get Santa Monica closer to the community’s vision for the land.
“This motion helps clear the air regarding our intent, which is to close the Airport as soon as possible. Equally important is to dispel rumors that the City wants to turn the Airport into a massive development,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Ted Winterer.
For more information regarding the possible closure of the Airport, you can visit http://www.smgov.net/Departments/CMO/content.aspx?id=44740.
