By JR Santa Monica
My reaction to the opinion letter (”SM Airport is here to stay,” page 4, April 26) by Bill Worden, President Emeritus, The Air Care Alliance Venice was less than favorable. The Santa Monica Airport is the playground of wealthy jet setters and corporations who don’t give a “hoot” about the residents in the surrounding community.
The soot from the emissions of jets, which the airport was not built to accommodate, is sickening. The air is filthy, and the danger to homes and residents within close proximity to the landing strips is deplorable. There have been incidences, furthermore, where planes using the airport have actually crashed into surrounding homes.
Rather than being here to stay, I look forward to the day when the airport is completely dismantled permanently and forever. It does not benefit the average homeowner and residents of Santa Monica, but, it does benefit big business and deep pockets. The land could be put to far safer and better development and use than what currently exists. If, by some measure of control by the powers that be, it does continue to exist, then, tests must be undertaken to determine the exact levels of noise and air pollution, and efforts must be taken to reduce, and possibly eliminate the airport being used by all jets. Furthermore, issues raised by residents and groups devoted to the safety of the areas surrounding the airport must be addressed and resolved.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 28, 2007. Read the original PDF.