Airport Expansion Plan Approved

The Hawthorne City Council Monday voted 4 to 0 to adopt a controversial blueprint for the possible expansion of Hawthorne Municipal Airport.

Although the council has yet to decide whether it will expand the airport, the council was required by state law to adopt a master plan to set guidelines for future airport development.

At a public hearing five months ago, protests were made by residents, including those whose homes could be razed if the airport is expanded. About 170 homes are within the possible expansion area, north of the airport between Prairie Avenue and the Century Freeway.

Other residents also said they opposed expanding the airport because of noise and pollution additional flights would create. No one spoke against the plan Monday.

City officials, however, say that improvements and expansion are needed to attract business to the city and to draw general aviation traffic from Los Angeles International Airport.