A Better LAX Doesn’t Require Expansion

Re “A Breakthrough LAX Plan,” editorial, May 26: Why can’t the more-controversial elements of the mayor’s plan for LAX be redlined out right now? The idea to green-light those projects “to be built later -- if at all” is not an example of consensus; it’s just more poor planning.

There are no guarantees that Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski’s “specific plan” process will work, especially because she will be termed out of office next year. There will not be a consensus on an LAX modernization plan until there is consensus with the airport neighbors of Westchester, Playa del Rey, El Segundo and Inglewood. We feel that a modern, safe and secure airport can be achieved without expansion. We have yet to see a plan from Los Angeles World Airports that does not involve expansion. It is always easier to expand than to remodel. The challenge for the LAWA designers is to come up with a more-efficient plan that achieves its goals of modernization without expanding beyond the existing property.

Robert T. Dalton

Westchester