Councilman Rosendahl Submits Outline for LAX Modernization

Councilman Bill Rosendahl has outlined six points that he hopes will influence the Los Angeles Planning Commission in its review of the LAX modernization plan.

The plan to reposition the airport’s northernmost runway 206 feet closer to homes has garnered much opposition from Playa del Rey and Westchester residents – and many, along with Rosendahl, are asking officials to further utilize the Ontario airport rather than expand LAX.

On Feb. 5, the Airport Commission approved the proposed LAX modernization plan and the Planning Commission is discussing the matter on Thursday before it reaches the Los Angeles City Council and the mayor.   

Below are Rosendahl’s six points that he submitted to the Planning Commission on Thursday:

1. Modernization, yes; expansion, no. We should put a hold on moving the runways north closer to homes in Westchester and Playa del Rey. Analysis in LAWA's Final EIR shows that we don't need to move the runways for safety or operational efficiency. Instead, we should move forward with terminal and ground access improvements, including the five projects that were green-lighted as part of the LAX legal settlement agreement, as well as a new Intermodal Transportation Facility and improvements to Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

2. We must develop and implement a real and substantive regional strategy for accommodating air traffic in Southern California. Regionalism is the key to mitigating the environmental costs of growth at LAX, including air quality, noise, health, and traffic impacts. We should focus on airport growth in areas of the region that can sustain it, like L.A./Ontario International Airport, and build a direct connection to the Metrolink system at ONT.

3. We should connect the Crenshaw Line and the Green Line directly into the LAX Central Terminal Area, with an Automated People Mover to transport passengers to the terminals.

4. We must quickly finish installation of Runway Status Lights (RSL) at all runway intersections at LAX. RSL is a proven and effective runway safety improvement, and will make an already safe North Runway complex even safer.

5. We must fully staff the FAA Control Tower at LAX with certified air traffic controllers. Today, there are 37 certified controllers staffing the tower, with 16 controllers in-training. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has recommended a tower staff of at least 47 certified controllers to ensure safety and smooth operation at LAX.

6. We should meet with local airport stakeholders and the neighbors surrounding LAX, and listen to their ideas for building a world-class airport that is a first-class neighbor. Already, Members of Congress have begun to do this, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Congresswoman Janice Hahn, and I encourage others to do the same.