TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution reaffirming policy that the City of Long Beach determines that the elements and restrictions set forth in the "Airport Noise Compatibility" ordinance, Chapter 16.43 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, will be maintained in order to preserve the integrity of the ordinance and local control of airport operations.
DISCUSSION
On December 23, 2003, the Long Beach City Council voted to support a resolution expressing a "No Airport Expansion" policy in reference to the City's current airport noise ordinance. The resolution was asserted to be a "reaffirmation" of the Council's airport policy and recognition of the ordinance's importance to affected communities.
The LGB Noise Ordinance, which is the result of a 1995 consent decree and subsequent council action, makes Long Beach Airport (LGB) one of the strictest noise-controlled airports in the United States. The Noise Ordinance - and corresponding "noise bucket" - currently allows for 41 commercial flights and 25 commuter flights during the hours of 7am and 10pm. Among other elements, the Noise Ordinance sets the weight of planes allotted carrier flight designation. The Noise Ordinance was grandfathered in under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA) and the City Attorney's office has opined that amendments could risk forfeiture of said ordinance. Changes to the Noise Ordinance could put affected neighborhoods at risk of losing the protection it provides.
In 2005, the Council approved City of Long Beach "Guiding Principles for Long Beach Airport" in an effort to provide management and staff with guidelines for making future decisions related to LGB. It is appropriate at this time that the Council adds to its guiding policies for the Long Beach Airport the assertion that the Council intends to adhere to stated components, including the weight limits designated therein. A resolution of the Council would emphasize its support of the communities...
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