Experiencing Life in the Flight Paths

* I have studied the issues, reports and surveys, reviewed sundry newspaper articles and letters to the editor, asked many questions and listened to comments from diverse groups and individuals on the El Toro commercial airport issue. My deduction after much reflection is that if the El Toro airport were to become fully operational tomorrow, property values in the adjacent communities would increase for the following reasons:

1. Property values have been diminished by this divisive issue, exaggerated negative perceptions and the fears that are associated with the unknown.

2. A commercial airport at El Toro would have less of a negative impact on real estate values than the current military operation.

3. All of the uncertainties and perceptions about an airport would be eliminated: “What you see is what you get.”

After reading the preceding statement, you may be surprised to learn that I am unequivocally opposed to a commercial airport at El Toro for the following reasons:

1. A second airport in proximity to John Wayne Airport could be another financial disaster for Orange County.

2. An airport is not the highest and best use of the land; I favor creating an enterprise zone that could act as a giant magnet to attract new business and industry.

3. We have this divisive airport issue because a few people with a hidden agenda were willing to spend enough money to cause a slim majority of voters to believe their misinformation about all the new jobs that an airport would create.

4. Measure A was a misuse and abuse of the ballot initiative process and is an attempt to force the misguided will of North County on South County. A commercial airport may never come to fruition at El Toro, but speculation about it has disturbed the peace, diminished property values and caused financial hardship for many.

MARCEL J. FERNANDEZ

Lake Forest

* Has anyone noticed this year that the Marine Corps helicopters are flying right over the rooftops of Corona del Mar residents? The houses shake as if in an earthquake.

Upon contacting the base, their response is “Because of the fog, they have to fly lower to get over the hills.” However, prior to the building of [Irvine Co. Chairman Donald L.] Bren’s golf course and homes, these copters never used this flight path, fog or no fog.

Are we once again being penalized because the Irvine Co. has requested, in some form, that the Marines not disturb their golf course or their new homes?

It’s a strange coincidence that this has just begun to occur since the course was built and the homes have gone up.

Mrs. J. W. CHRISTY

Corona del Mar