On July 7th our city council voted 6-3 to move forward with a second feasibility study on the benefits of supporting an FIS facility at LGB. It was council members Supernaw, Uranga & Austin who supported the neighborhoods concerns and voted against a further study that will only open further dialogue that could put our neighborhoods and quality of life in our homes in jeopardy. These three council members clearly understand that when a controversial issue comes before them that can negatively impact the residents (aka voters) it is best to err on the side of the constituents.
It was a two hour testimonial from residents as well as Jet Blue supporters prior to voting on 5th district Councilwoman Mungo's motion. The public testimony was roughly 2-1 against this action. Those in support, many who were transported by bus to city hall, were Jet Blue officials, airport employees and FBO operators that would benefit directly by this enhancement at LGB. Those opposed obviously were the residents who will have to deal with this additional impact and potential threat on a daily basis.
If you have not witnessed the statements made by Ms. Mungo I encourage you to visit lbreport.com and see for yourself what arrogance and a lack of institutional memory looks like. Or you can go to YOUTUBE Mungo Property Tax.
In the end, this is strictly a political decision. There are no demands placed on Long Beach to grant this request. The FAA has no interest in whether this moves forward or not, as long as LGB is not interfering with interstate commerce within the boundaries of our ordinance.
The initial study completed in November 2013 done by Frasca & Associates (you can find it under LBNF Hot Topics) clearly states that this appears to be a "airline special facility" rather than a general airport improvement since the demand seems to be a function of Jet Blue's strategic plans. They also recommend that if the decision is to move forward that JB be required to pay not only for the facility, but the O&M costs of $850K annually as well.
We'll share our position on the economics of it all next time!
Stay Involved!
It was a two hour testimonial from residents as well as Jet Blue supporters prior to voting on 5th district Councilwoman Mungo's motion. The public testimony was roughly 2-1 against this action. Those in support, many who were transported by bus to city hall, were Jet Blue officials, airport employees and FBO operators that would benefit directly by this enhancement at LGB. Those opposed obviously were the residents who will have to deal with this additional impact and potential threat on a daily basis.
If you have not witnessed the statements made by Ms. Mungo I encourage you to visit lbreport.com and see for yourself what arrogance and a lack of institutional memory looks like. Or you can go to YOUTUBE Mungo Property Tax.
In the end, this is strictly a political decision. There are no demands placed on Long Beach to grant this request. The FAA has no interest in whether this moves forward or not, as long as LGB is not interfering with interstate commerce within the boundaries of our ordinance.
The initial study completed in November 2013 done by Frasca & Associates (you can find it under LBNF Hot Topics) clearly states that this appears to be a "airline special facility" rather than a general airport improvement since the demand seems to be a function of Jet Blue's strategic plans. They also recommend that if the decision is to move forward that JB be required to pay not only for the facility, but the O&M costs of $850K annually as well.
We'll share our position on the economics of it all next time!
Stay Involved!
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