SV mayor clarifies flight path comments
Editor,
Last week I provided the Press Banner with an OpEd piece concerning a recent meeting with the FAA coordinated by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congressman Sam Farr concerning excessive noise due to the flight path change a year ago. Many concerned citizens, representatives from Save our Skies Santa Cruz and Quiet Skies NorCal, local government representatives including Supervisors Bruce McPherson and John Leopold attended the meeting. Moments before the deadline for the Press Banner, I was asked to include information encouraging citizens to endorse a proposal for a solution submitted by Save our Skies and Quiet Skies NorCal. I received a synopsis of the proposal and agreed to add this information. I later learned that this proposal also included moving the flight path over another area of Santa Cruz County. This was not my intention.
I’d like to clarify my stand concerning the flight path change known as SERFR. Since the flight path change a year ago, I’ve been working with County Supervisors & State Representatives to address noise issues. In various meetings including with FAA representatives, I’ve stated my support to increase the altitude and procedures to avoid braking over populated areas. I do not advocate moving the path from one part of the County to another part of the County.
I continue to work with representatives to address noise issues created with the current flight path, but wanted to clarify my position. I believe we are making progress in addressing the noise issues created with the flight path change and to also create a policy that citizens are notified when such major changes are proposed.
Mayor Donna Lind, Scotts Valley
Take your eyes off the skies
Editor,
I can no longer keep myself quiet. I am totally disgusted with Save Our Skies, etal.. There are so many other local issues that require attention. The noise from overhead aircraft is such a small issue compared to climate change, crime, traffic, homeless, gangs, physical condition of many schools, lack of affordable housing, and many others. Too bad all the sky gazers can’t find issues that really matter to the greater good on which to focus their efforts.
Jack Young
Air noise “problem” created by the media
Editor,
I’m sure the Press-Banner and the other local papers are proud of their part in creating a “problem” regarding changes in air traffic routes. The FAA is making air traffic more efficient and saving fuel which reduces the creation of that evil carbon dioxide that we all love to hate. The op-eds in the local papers, however, have falsely sensitized the local population to the slight noise made by aircraft that are virtually idling as they approach the airport.
There is a strong element of hypocritical nimby-ism here where the local populace professes to be so ultra-concerned with “Saving the Planet”, but wants it done somewhere else.
Shawn Cronin
