Brea : Bank’s New Heliport Plan to Draw Protests

Security Pacific National Bank Operations Center, which got a “no go” from city officials to land helicopters atop its Brea facility, can expect more protests when it applies Thursday to the county for a permit to build another helipad in the neighboring community of Olinda.

Mayor Pro Tem Sam Cooper said last week that he will be out leading the protest at the building, 275 S. Valencia Ave.

“If Security Pacific obtains a permit at some point to lease the land and build a heliport, I would picket their establishment in Brea. And I’m sure I won’t be alone,” Cooper said.

Bank officials plan to ask the Orange County Waste Management Advisory Commission for permission to build a new heliport at the Olinda landfill. A bank representative said the landfill was one option Security Pacific is considering. If approved by the commission, the county Board of Supervisors would have the final word on use of the site.

Citing potential noise problems and depreciation of properties, residents have been fighting the bank’s proposed helicopter flights for years. Bank officials said they need the helicopter to transport documents.

“We’ve got a fight on our hands,” Cooper said. “(If the heliport is approved), I will be out there picketing with a heck of a lot of people.”