New Group to Target Area Near Airport
A new organization sponsored by the Mid Valley Chamber of Commerce will focus on curbing crime and improving the business climate around Van Nuys Airport.
The Van Nuys Airport Area Business Watch complements a longtime successful Business Watch covering Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys and another that began in May in Panorama City.
Flip Smith, president of the chamber and head of the Sepulveda Boulevard Business Watch, said two additional groups are planned for the mid-Valley, one to cover Ventura Boulevard and one for Van Nuys Boulevard.
“My thought is to do as much positive stuff around the airport as we can,” Smith said. “Make it clean, make it safe and good things will happen. There are little pockets of problems around the airport right now.”
Smith identified some of the biggest concerns as gang activity on the airport’s south end and thefts from cars parked along Valjean Avenue, the small side street that runs alongside the airport.
The group will not concern itself with every contentious issue facing the airport area, Smith said. “I don’t want to address noise. I don’t want to address zoning. I don’t want to address leases,” he said.
Hourlong meetings will be held once a month, the first of which is set for June 25 at 6 p.m. at the Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave.
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