VAN NUYS : Security Fences for Airport Considered

A citizens advisory group for Van Nuys Airport will decide today whether to back a proposed policy that would require airport tenants to install security gates and fences around their businesses along the airport’s perimeter.

The new security policy was proposed last month by airport manager Ron Kochevar, who said there has long been a problem with people entering the airport without authorization and gates are needed to protect the airport from liability.

If the policy is adopted, tenants without security gates could pay between $600 and $6,000 to conform with the new policy, Kochevar said at the previous meeting of the Van Nuys Airport Citizens Advisory Council.

Airport spokeswoman Stacy Geere said Monday that so far only one tenant has protested the proposed new policy. But she said she expects several other tenants will attend the advisory meeting today to voice support or opposition.

Before the policy can be adopted it must be approved by the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, which is expected to consider the matter this month.