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# Residents want buffer zone at end of runway
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/residents-want-buffer-zone-at-end-of-runway/
- Published: 2001-12-24T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-22T22:33:48.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Santa Monica Airport, #archive-import

tions, instead of commercial regulations. That would allow charter companies to increase operations out of Santa Monica Airport, Waxman argues.

“This could have devastating consequences for my constituents living in the neighborhoods surrounding Santa Monica Airport,” he wrote. “I am alarmed that this rule would compromise safety at the airport and dramatically increase flight traffic by large business jets without any safety evaluations, community hearings or environmental review.”

The battle to make the runway shorter may be difficult for residents. Limiting the runway length would not comply with a 1984 agreement between the city of Santa Monica the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a letter from the FAA to Waxman.

“A reduction of the runway length to 4,000 feet would restrict the ability of certain types of aircraft to operate at the airport and would be contrary to the city’s commitment under the agreement,” wrote FAA regional administrator Will Withycombe in response to a request by Waxman last year to shorten the runway.

Residents know they have a long road ahead of them to fight the FAA, but at least they have gotten the issue all the way to the House of Representatives.

“We are really glad (Congressman Waxman) has been supportive of us,” Denyer said.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 24, 2001.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/122401.pdf?ref=smdp.com)