El Toro, Cont’d
I have listened ad nauseam to scare stories about noise, property values, congestion and smog if El Toro becomes an international airport. Let’s take them one at a time:
Noise
We have good friends living in the back bay area of Newport Beach, the area right under the takeoff from John Wayne Airport. Yes, they say they hear the planes, but this is where they want to live, so they’ve just become accustomed to it. “It’s, well, okay.”
Property values
I have yet to see any abandoned and boarded up homes in the Back Bay. In fact, more building is going on as I write.
Congestion
We’re going to generate a lot more congestion, and smog, getting people and products to and from distant international airports than we ever would by using El Toro.
Safety
I am most definitely in favor of the highest level of safety possible. That is exactly why I do not favor Irvine’s “Great Lake” idea. Why would anyone put a lake on top of the huge toxic plume that’s been growing out there for the last 50 to 60 years? Hello! Does anyone remember Love Canal? “Oh”, I hear, “but the Navy is supposed to clean this up.” Really? I wonder if the Navy would also clean up my backyard, or my garage? If you’re a taxpayer, you qualify for the cleanup crew,get your checkbook out!
The recent terrorist attacks may raise concerns about airports, but won’t a more decentralized airport system, which could be helped by bringing new airports on line, make it harder for terrorists to shut down the whole system?
Now, to reasons why I believe we need an international airport:
I began making sales calls to Orange County about 35 years ago. I moved into the county 30 years ago. It’s been fun and exciting to be a part of the county’s great growth.
Among the major changes I’ve witnessed is the position Orange County has earned in the world marketplace. But because we live more in a world economy, we need ready access to more international airports.
One of the things I’ve noticed on my drives out to the Ontario Airport is all the open space. That area is ripe for major development, including business parks.
Ontario Airport is a modern facility with three international-length runways and room for a fourth. Another plus is a fairly new convention center within walking distance.
I’ve spent several days at the facility and found it beautiful and well designed. It will be a key attraction for many companies.
Without an international airport in Orange County, I foresee relocation of companies to areas that have one. I see a decline in business activity here, resulting in lower employment, in turn resulting in lower revenue for municipalities, in turn producing lower public services, and/or increased taxes. This would lower property values!
And, as mentioned above, we would have more smog and congestion trying to get Orange County products and passengers to and from international airports.
So, all the awful things that the anti-airport people are claiming will happen if we do build El Toro into an international airport are exactly what I believe will happen if we do not build it.
Unfortunately, I fear this issue will not be settled any time soon. I suspect that whatever votes or decisions are made will be challenged and delayed. That’s part of our process. All citizens have a right in our democracy to be heard, and the majority makes the decision. Period.
Let’s make a careful and thoughtful decision and then get back to business, hopefully, international business!
Bob Dahlquist
Irvine
I enjoyed reading your Oct. 15 editorial, “Safe but Oh! Slow.”
The picture that came to mind regarding the county’s El Toro reuse plan was of the student who gets a barely passing grade running through the streets yelling, “Everybody, look how smart I am!” when in reality he finished at the bottom of the class.
In the recently released FAA report, it is very clear that the county must go back to the drawing board and do its homework and produce an airport plan that the airlines will care to invest in.
Maybe it’s time to end the stupid bullying and encourage the FAA to take over the El Toro airport planning process,they’re smart enough to know which way the planes should fly, and their hands aren’t in The Irvine Company’s pockets.
Russell Niewiarowski,
President
The New Millennium Group
Santa Ana Heights
As the economic impact of Sept. 11 deepens, and county revenues decline, county officials indicate they may need to take $35 million from affordable housing and $31 million from bankruptcy payments. John Wayne Airport expects revenues to be down $9 million and security costs up $12.5 million next year.
Yet Supervisors Coad, Smith and Silva continue funding a $3-billion-plus El Toro Airport,nearly $50 million in the past four years!
Where are their priorities, their business prudence and their sense of public responsibility? Shouldn’t affordable housing, and meeting our existing county debts take precedence over spending for an unneeded, unwanted and environmentally disastrous airport?
Michael Smith
Mission Viejo
In the light of current events, could I suggest that a short comment might be in order to continue the fight to get the airport built at El Toro and put it in perspective:
“The best sounds I have heard lately are the sounds of airplanes taking off and landing again. We will not be intimidated.”
Ed St. Amour
Mesa Verde
