"Council to mull Burbank airport growth policy"

Tuesday, November 5, 2002

Council to mull airport growth policy
Gambling Magazine


A formal policy that would help guide officials on the future of growth
at Burbank Airport will be crafted if the City Council approves the
proposal at its meeting tonight. 

The comprehensive airport policy combines the results of recent studies,
municipal codes regarding land-use rights, and community input. Its
findings will be placed in the hands of voters in a future election.

"It's a process of moving forward," said Burbank City Manager Robert
"Bud" Ovrom. "There have been lessons learned. Whatever comes out as a
result of the process will be placed before the voters."

Up until now, the City Council has been distracted by two hurdles: the
passage last year of the voter-approved Measure A, which placed a cap
and curfew on flights and growth, and the Transportation Security
Administration's call for beefed up security at all national airports
after last year's terrorist attacks.

The council won a court challenge of Measure A, claiming it was
unconstitutional. A Burbank resident has appealed the ruling.

And as a result of the TSA's mandated security measures, the council
also passed an emergency ordinance that prevents airport expansion
unless it is security-related. 

That emergency ordinance will expire in 2004 and a clear policy will
have to be in place before then, said Sue Georgino, the city's community
development director. 

With no other distractions in sight, the council is ready to take an
in-depth look at how proposed airport expansion for a new terminal might
affect the community, both environmentally and economically, Georgino
said. 

The policy will include recommendations compiled by a blue-ribbon
committee that concluded at that any decision for expansion at the
airport will have to be placed in the hands of voters.

The City Council is also being asked to approve a budget that will cover
retaining experts on traffic, environmental reviews, economics and
noise. 

"We lack standards," Georgino said. "This policy will include up-to-date
codes and ordinances, and reflect issues including noise, traffic and
pollution mitigation measures. It will be used as a guide."


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