Four Steps for a Better Airport

Four Steps to a Better Airport

I, the undersigned, am a City of Venice Resident. I believe it is in the best interest for the City and the Airport (VNC) to for Council to implement the following:

1) Keep the airport safe and compatible with surrounding land uses. Council should direct city staff and airport consultants to keep runway protection zones, runway safe areas and obstruction free areas as much as possible within the airports boundaries in current and future Airport Layout Plans. We do not believe it is in the Citys interest to allow airport designations which could force the taking and demolition of houses, golf course, roads or park lands.
2) Direct staff to implement best noise abatement practices at the VNC airport. There should be specific procedures for jets, helicopters, and flight training. The City should implement a procedure to report noise both by telephone and web site with mandatory follow-up by airport staff. A right turn for departures on Runway 4 should be implemented this would substantially reduce noise in the entire community. Noise abatement traffic patterns, should be enforceable. There should be a mechanism to report abuses and tabulate complaints; and these should be acted upon.
3) Amend the make up of the Airport Advisory Board in the municipal code. The Board should be comprised exclusively of City of Venice residents this will bring it in line with the board composition of other municipalities, and, is consistent with FAA regulations. Pilots, airport engineers and planners should be encouraged to participate on the Board - as well as residents who have planning, environmental and business experience; however, members should not be in a position to profit from advice or actions taken by the Board.
4) Amend the mission of the Airport Advisory Board in the municipal code. The stated mission in the current City Code charges the AAB with advancing the interest of the airport as a general aviation airport in the United States Air Transportation System. We propose that the new mission of the Board should be to provide advice on airport issues to keep the airport safe, viable and compatible. Further, the Board should work with staff to advise Council on airport planning, business practices, noise and environmental impacts, financial budgets, and security at VNC.