Airport Growth Doesn’t Mix With Quality of Life

Re: Thomas E. Greer’s Second Opinion, Dec. 24 (“Real Airport Economics Entail Wide Perspective”).

Don’t cloud the issue with facts.

Greer correctly points out that inappropriate attention has been focused on the Burbank Airport staff’s luxurious travel accommodations. As with most well-run and profitable private enterprises, the executive staff treats themselves well.

But management travel expenses are not the issue; it is the patent disregard for the concerns of the community that Burbank Airport serves. The Burbank Airport Authority’s ambition, business acumen and Wall Street relationships threaten to steamroll over the less-well-financed opposition, all in the name of progress and growth. The growth, incidentally, is what will continue to finance the Airport Authority’s high-living lifestyle.

As a frequent user of Burbank Airport, I truly appreciate being home within 20 minutes of my plane touching down. I am happy, however, to incur the inconvenience of traveling to LAX for destinations not served by my regional airport in the interest of preserving what little quality of life remains in the San Fernando Valley.

Perhaps Greer and his associates should consider building another profitable airport in a less densely populated area.

I wonder if there is any space next door to their homes.

ANDREW MALTZ

Sherman Oaks