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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/1991 B A K E R S F I E L D Patricia J. DeMond, Chair Lynn Edwards Patricia Smith Staff: Legislative: Trudy Thornton Litigation: Larry Lunardini AGENDA LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION Thursday, October 24, 1991 12:00 noon City Manager's Conference Room 1. Adult Entertainment Ordinance MEMORANDUM October 28, 1991 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE C]:TY COUNC]:L FROM: J. DALE HAWLEY, C]:TY MANAGER ~ SUBJECT: REPORT ON BAKERSF]:ELD MUNTCTPAL ATRPORT As directed by Council, the attached staff report details information about the Bakersfield Municipal Airport in relation to recent concerns over airport noise and safety. The report is being forwarded to both Mr. Steiber and Mr. Williams. (m1028911 ) Attachment MEMORANDUM October 25, 1991 TO: J. DALE HAWLEY, CITY MANAGER FROM: E.W. SCHULZ, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ~;~. SUBJECT: STAFF REPORT ON BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL AIRPORT NOISE AND OVERFLIGHT The Bakersfield Municipal Airport has been in existence since 1945. Within the last year the City has received complaints from citizens regarding noise and safety, due in part to a change in runway alignment. On November 15, 1990, the City of Bakersfield dedicated a new runway at the airport. It is longer and has an orientation approximately 30 degrees closer to a north-south alignment than did the old runway. The two primary reasons for realignment and simultaneously lengthening the new runway were to provide a safer flying environment for pilots while at the same time significantly improving the quality of life of residents adjacent to the airport. The old runway was encroached by fencing, housing and obstructed clear zones. Homes were situated so close to the actual runway that it was not uncommon for residents along Madison Avenue, Planz Road, Elda Avenue, Shellmacher Road and Brook Street to experience overflight within 50 feet above their homes. The new orientation has vastly improved living conditions along these residential areas. The lengthening of the runway to the south has placed the touchdown zone closer to Rexland Acres, located one half mile south of the airport. This area has experienced overflight since 1945, when the airport was built. Most of the homes and Fairview School were built shortly after the airport was constructed. Placing the touchdown zone closer to White Lane lowered the descent altitude of the inbound trajectory followed by pilots landing on runway 34 from 800 to 900 feet to approximately 400 to 500 feet, still considerably higher than the 50 feet overflight experienced by Madison Avenue residents. The specific alignment of the new runway was determined by a number of factors. Although a detailed discussion of the alternatives is presented in the 1988 Master Plan Update prepared by KPGM Peat Marwick, the following is a brief summary of the findings. J. DALE HAWLEY October 25, 1991 Page -2- Aside from the technical requirements to provide maximum cross wind coverage, the decision to align the runway in its present configuration was dictated by the fact that additional land had to be acquired in order to accommodate the new runway. The old runway configuration could not be kept due to encroachment into the clear zone. Realignment was the only practical alternative. Alignments other than the present alignment would have resulted in overflight at the Casa Loma School and necessitated purchasing many homes along Planz, Madison, Elda and Shellmacher Roads, including the displacement of many long-time residents. Given the alternatives, the new alignment was preferred over all other options. The City is aware and is sensitive to the concerns which have been expressed by residents of the Rexland Acres area and the Greenfield School District. The school district seems to be primarily concerned with safety issues, whereas some residents appear concerned about safety, noise and declining home values. As a consequence, airport staff instituted a "Fly Friendly" program, patterned after the state's successful "Fly Neighborly" program. Since the program has been instituted, only a few noise complaints have been received from the Rexland Acres area. If the "Fly Friendly" program is to remain successful, it will need participation from the residents of Rexland Acres. This can be accomplished by the formation of an Airport Citizens Committee, as directed by Council. The Committee will be composed of no more than five individuals, including school officials and residents, with the airport manager functioning as an ex-officio member. The Airport Citizens Committee will report to the Bakersfield Airpark Advisory Committee, with the Advisory Committee in turn reporting to the City Council and management. In this manner issues of concern will be addressed through everyone working together. Several additional mitigations to noise and overflight have already been initiated. Flight tracking is currently underway as part of the "Fly Friendly" program. In addition, the City has contacted all the flight guides published for pilots and advised them in writing that a noise abatement program is in effect at the Bakersfield Municipal Airport. Shortly, the - City will begin publishing page inserts for airport guides which will visually show the inbound pilot what to do. The City is considering the possibility of filing a pre-application with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to request funding for a Part 150 Noise Study, much like a noise study recently completed at Meadows Field. Such a request would need to be accompanied by significant evidence that a problem exists, and no such evidence is presently available. The FAA recommends that if such a study is being considered, it J. DALE HAWLEY October 25, 1991 Page -3- should be coordinated with a citizens committee, as was the case at Meadows Field and at other airports. Should a significant noise problem be uncovered in the course of the 150 study, a number of recommendations to mitigate problems could be implemented--many which could be FAA funded--provided the recommendations of the Part 150 study are certified to conclude that significant problems exist. The health and welfare of the residents is of primary concern to the City. The City is also concerned about the potential for economic impact. An in-house review of a claim that the housing market has been negatively affected due to airport noise and overflight revealed no evidence that homes are selling for less or that more homes are for sale than elsewhere in the City of Bakersfield. Staff's review included interviews with realtors, homeowners and a property appraiser. It is estimated that over a quarter of a million flights have occurred in the area of the airport without a single problem. In all of Bakersfield, two accidents have occurred involving aircraft and schools. Fortunately, no school children were involved. Both accidents occurred at essentially random sites that happened to be near schools. Education and open communication will help address perceived concerns about flying. Periodic airport "open houses," class and parent-teacher awareness tours, and the establishment of an Airport Citizens Committee will assist in providing residents with an understanding of the airport's purpose and mission within the City of Bakersfield. (M1022911)