The State - News from Sept. 24, 1985

In a broad ruling that could affect all major California airports, the state Supreme Court in San Francisco opened the way for residents to sue airports over jet noise and similar nuisances and for related losses in property values. The case involved Burbank Airport, which was sued by residents who claim that noise, exhaust and vibrations from jet landings and takeoffs has resulted in a loss of value of their homes and is an ongoing nuisance. In all, 138 people are seeking nearly $14 million from the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. In an opinion written by Justice Cruz Reynoso, the high court overturned a trial court judge who had thrown out the suit. “The significance of the ruling is that anybody who lives around an airport can sue at any time,” said John J. Schimmenti, who represented residents near the airport.