Noise and Van Nuys Airport

* Re “Study Profiles a Major Contributor to Valley Economy” and “Flawed Report Aims to Stifle Controls on Noise,” Jan 24.

The two pieces on Van Nuys aircraft noise and its economic impact clarified some issues, and such focus may form the basis for a constructive major step toward resolution.

On one side of the economic issue, we have the jobs and business associated with this centrally located airport. The other side is the decrease in property values near the flight path due to the increase in noise pollution and consequent reduction in tax revenues to the city.

One major and correctable noise source is the approximately 50 or so Stage 2 jets that are based at Van Nuys and are older and noisier than the later (safer) Stage 3 models. Conversion, modification or replacement has one major drawback--cost.

Here the city can play a major role by providing the temporary economic investment of tax incentives to accelerate the change over to Stage 3. This coupled with mandatory noise abatement requirements may be justified.

With this simple step, noise pollution would be significantly abated, city revenue would soon increase because property values would not be so depressed, and most noisy jets would be modernized or replaced by more current, quieter models.

A definitive and objective study considering these and any other important economic factors should be initiated now and paid for by those having a major economic interest; the city (taxpayers), the owners of the Stage 2 jets based in Van Nuys, and the fixed-base operators at Van Nuys Airport.

MARVIN ADELBERG

Encino

* In his “Perspective on Van Nuys Airport,” James A. Dunn has churned out a typical public relations business response. Those of us who live under Dunn’s supposedly “Fly Friendly” program know better. Dunn makes it sound as if airport businesses have made great sacrifices to ensure minimal impact on neighboring residents. Hogwash! I’d like to have Dunn’s home telephone number so I could wake him up every time one of his “good neighbor” businesses departs Van Nuys Airport in a thundering jet blast at 2 a.m.

PHILLIP CRIPPS

Van Nuys