Saturday, January 22, 2005
Airport hearing planned
By Susan Abram
The Los Angeles (CA) Daily News
AGUA DULCE — The county Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in Acton today for residents to air their opinions regarding the Agua Dulce Airpark, which is undergoing a permit modification process. Los Angeles County permits for the small community airport go back to 1959 and likely need updating, county officials have said. In August, the county Board of Supervisors approved holding a public hearing. Today’s hearing is expected to have a large turnout, Agua Dulce leaders said.
“This has been a serious issue for 45 years,” said Nancy Young, president of the Agua Dulce Civic Association. “It’s a very big issue.”
However, the association and board members on an airport committee have been in discussions and a draft of a plan that would allow the air park to continue, but under some guidelines, will be presented at today’s meeting.
“We have tried to help (the airpark owners) understand the concerns,” Young said.
Modifications to the permit would help shed light on what is permitted — and not permitted — at the airport, an area that has remained gray for decades, Young said.
“We want defined for us the number of hangars allowed and hours of operation,” among other concerns, she said.
The civic association may endorse the draft plan, which would then be discussed at a future Town Council meeting. The Town Council is an advisory board to county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
The airport, long open on weekends only, has sprung back to life since new owner Barry Kirshner took over more than three years ago. Community athletic fields have been added and special events have been scheduled there. While some support the changes, others complain about illegal air acrobatics overhead and cite problems ranging from construction to excessive filming at the airport.
Kirshner, who did not return a call Friday seeking comment, has said in the past that opposition was coming from a very small group of residents. But county officials have said they have received scores of complaints in telephone calls, faxes and e-mails.
IF YOU GO
A public hearing to discuss the Agua Dulce Airpark will be held at 9 this morning at the High Desert School gymnasium, 3620 Antelope Woods Road, Acton.
