Access perspective missing from airport discussion As...

Access perspective missing from airport discussion

As a 10-year resident of Burbank, I have used the Burbank Airport

frequently for business and vacations. I have also read the pros and

cons of the new terminal construction and witnessed the endless

debate.

What I have not seen to date is a discussion about the lack of

accessibility to the planes. Anyone in a wheelchair or who cannot

ascend or descend the steps to the plane must be lifted up on a cargo

platform that is used to load peanuts, drinks and whatnot. It is

neither particularly safe nor desirable for the morale of those who

must ride this contraption.

For this reason alone, the new terminal should be built. Yes,

debate can and will continue on the size and shape of the end

product, but the accessibility needs must be met sooner rather than

later.

MIKE ROUNTREE

Burbank

$34 million for airport project should be spent elsewhere

It is amusing to read how the initial estimates for Burbank

Airport’s new 40,000-square-foot security project have mysteriously

grown from $10 million to $24 million and now $34 million.

Who knew the Airport Authority had so much money to burn?

For $34 million, I believe they could buy every single passenger

their own luggage and clothes and totally do away with these super

high-tech bomb-sniffing machines that can’t seem to tell the

difference between TNT and bars of chocolate. And somebody please

explain to me why 40,000 square feet is needed for extra screening?

That’s not extra security space -- that’s a Wal-Mart.

Think how many teachers in Burbank could get raises with $34

million. Think of how many homeless people could get fed with that.

Think of how many new gates can later be added with it.

Oops.

WILL RAY

Burbank