Can Burbank Land Airport Compromise?

For two years, the Burbank Airport authority, which sought to expand and modernize the facility, has been at odds with members of a Burbank City Council, which has resisted such change.

The council had been fighting for residents who were fearful of additional noise and other problems caused by airport improvements that would affect neighborhoods. Lawsuits were filed against the airport commission and quickly talks between the two bodies ground to a halt.

However, Burbank Mayor Bob Kramer, who ran for office two years ago as an opponent to the planned expansion, has recently offered to work with the airport commission to find a compromise.

Is a compromise on the Burbank Airport possible?

Joyce Streator, president of the Burbank Airport Commission:

“What we hope to do is replace an outdated terminal that does not meet FAA standards and is wholly inadequate for the traffic that we now have. . . . The terminal as it stands today is . . . too close to the runway. There is insufficient space to use those walkways so people can go directly onto the planes. And our baggage handling has to be done outside. . . . We agreed not to exceed 19 gates. . . . To me that is very reasonable. . . . We could have tried to expand to 27.”

Burbank Mayor Bob Kramer:

“I believe there is a middle ground that can give both sides what they need. . . . I’m optimistic we can reach an agreement soon. It’s my goal to end the lawsuits and build a new terminal in a manner that will be acceptable to all the residents.”

Jim Foy, founding president of the Friends of the Burbank Airport:

“I support the new terminal construction. . . . It will be easier for people to get to their flights. The new plans will make sure the gates will be far closer, with handicapped facilities. . . . Compromise is always possible. On the other hand, the airport has been compromising for a dozen years. . . . How much further can they compromise before they are in a position of building a terminal that is too small? It doesn’t make sense to spend a whole lot of money on a nicer, cleaner terminal that is too small.”

Burbank City Councilman Ted McConkey:

“The city of Burbank is willing to allow that new terminal, but we are not going to allow them to the degree that they want. . . . We will insist on a mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. . . . We want a cap on the number of flights. . . . We’re going to give them the expansion they say they need. [But] it’s going to be at a price we believe is fair and equitable.”

Al Young, managing partner of the Burbank Airport Industrial Center:

“I’d rather say the airport terminal should be moved to a safer location. Currently they are loading passengers 300 feet from the center line. The current minimum [required by FAA regulations] is 700 feet. If anything goes wrong over there, it will be a terrible tragedy. . . . We need a modern airport, as far as having a jetway for loading of passengers. . . . I think that a lot of these people who are opposed to the airport should accept the reality that the airport noise has decreased since the airport [authority took over the facility] in 1977.”