Assembly Passes Airport Extension

The Assembly has passed a bill to give Los Angeles County an extra six months to complete controversial land-use plans for airports.

The legislation by Sen. Robert G. Beverly (R-Manhattan Beach) would extend the June 30, 1991 deadline for the plans until Jan. 1, 1992.

The plans have been required for two decades to ensure that hotels, office buildings, industrial parks and other developments are compatible with airports and flight safety.

But last year the Legislature approved a bill, which was signed into law by Gov. George Deukmejian, to toughen the law because plans had been done for only slightly more than half of the state’s 269 airports. No plans have been developed for any of the 17 airports in Los Angeles County.

Airports in Torrance, Long Beach, El Monte, Santa Monica, Compton, Hawthorne, La Verne, Burbank and Los Angeles are among those affected.

During a brief debate on the Assembly floor Monday, Assemblywoman Marian W. La Follette (R-Northridge) argued that the Beverly bill would give the county the necessary time to establish planning guidelines around airports.

In contrast, Assemblyman Gerald N. Felando (R-San Pedro) complained that the county already had been given ample time to develop the plans. During an interview, Felando maintained that the county “knew about this thing a long time ago. I don’t believe any more time is necessary.”

Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Los Angeles) also objected to the bill, saying it would delay for six months “the opportunity to control development near airports.” Friedman represents parts of the San Fernando Valley.

But the urgency measure was approved by a vote of 56 to 8, just two more votes than the required two-thirds, and was sent back to the Senate for concurrence in Assembly amendments. If it wins final passage and is signed into law by the governor, the legislation would take effect immediately.