Council Approves Setting a Timeline to Close SMO

July 27, 2016 3:31 PM
by Tony Vazquez

Last night, Mayor Pro Tempore Ted Winterer and I put forward a motion for the Council to consider a resolution to close the Santa Monica Airport by June 30, 2018 or as soon as legally permitted. We voted in favor of passing the motion and staff will bring a draft resolution to our meeting on August 23.

This is a huge step toward reclaiming our land and protecting the health and safety of our residents, and to transitioning the Airport land to better uses, uses the community has asked for at the ballot box.

In 2014, Santa Monica voted to pass Ballot Measure LC, which mandates that if the Airport land is permanently closed to aviation uses, it will be used for parks, open space, and recreational facilities, unless the voters decide otherwise. 

We also directed the City Manager to report back to us on what other measures we can take in the interim to reduce the impacts of the Airport, including jump starting the planning process and environmental analysis to get us closer to the community’s vision for the land.

"This motion helps clear the air regarding our intent, which is to close the Airport as soon as is possible. Equally important is to dispel rumors that the City wants to turn the Airport into a massive development"

We will consider the resolution to close the Santa Monica Airport on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Santa Monica City Hall, City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street.

Authored By

Tony Vazquez
Council Member