Council approves five Van Nuys Airport leases over neighbors' objections
Nearby residents asked for an airport-wide environmental review first. The leases passed 13-0 without debate.
By LA This Weekend Team · November 8, 20262 views
The Los Angeles City Council on Nov. 6 approved five leases at Van Nuys Airport in a single 13-0 vote without debate, according to CivicFM and 3 Mins Local.
What was approved
The Board of Airport Commissioners had already signed off on Sept. 23. The leases, with the board's revenue estimates:
- Two leases with subsidiaries of Sky Harbour Group for general aviation facilities at 16425 Hart Street (about $29.24 million) and 7701 Woodley Avenue (about $83.4 million), each for up to 32 years.
- A 10-year lease with Paramount Global's corporate aviation arm at 7150 Hayvenhurst Avenue (about $8.3 million).
- A 10-year lease with Joby Aero at 7646 Hayvenhurst Avenue (about $1.75 million).
- A 10-year lease with The Condor Squadron Officer's and Airmen's Association at 7800 Hayvenhurst Avenue (about $307,000).
Who spoke
The leases drew more public comment than any other item. About six speakers, mostly airport neighbors, asked the council to wait for an airport-wide environmental review and raised jet noise and fumes; several said they weren't asking to close the airport. About six others, including the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, Laborers Local 300 and Sky Harbour, pointed to jobs, investment and electric aviation.
Councilmember Imelda Padilla said afterward the leases would upgrade buildings to higher energy standards and remove buildings with lead. She said she introduced a motion so the airport's remaining sites favor high-paying aviation jobs, and so future leases bring measurable cuts in air pollution and noise.
Our take
The leases are done, but Padilla's new motion is where Valley residents can still shape what happens next at the airport. If jet noise affects your block, that is the item to follow.
Sources
- CivicFM: Council approves Van Nuys Airport leases; renames center for Curren Price
- 3 Mins Local: November 6 City Council meeting
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below, or post about it on the community board.
LA This Weekend Team