(Oct. 22, 2003, initial post) -- 4th district Councilman Dennis Carroll's proposal to create a "blue ribbon" advisory group to address issues surrounding the permanent expansion of LB Airport's terminal facilities and its accompanying EIR drew opposition from groups ranging from LBHUSH2 to the LB Area Chamber of Commerce and was defeated on a substitute motion (by Councilwoman Reyes-Uranga, seconded by Webb) sending the issue to the Airport Advisory Commission.
During the Oct. 21 Council meeting, LBHUSH2's president Ray Gabelich and LB Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair David Neary independently expressed views opposed to creating another layer of advisory bureaucracy. LB Airport businessman Curt Castagna (Aeroplex Pres./CEO) indicated he would participate in a "blue ribbon" committee if asked, but voiced concern about creating another advisory body.
5th district Councilwoman Jackie Kell said she believed public input to the Council on the Airport deserved to be received "unfiltered," not through another City Hall advisory body.
Vice Mayor Frank Colonna was nearly alone in expressing strong support for Carroll's proposal. Eventually, Carroll and Colonna joined in the substitute motion which carried 8-0 (Baker absent).
Earlier in the evening, Carroll withdrew -- for the time being -- a proposed resolution that would have put the Council on record criticizing JetBlue airways for late night flights violating LB Airport's curfew.
Councilman Carroll indicated he would withdraw his proposed resolution in view of a trip to NYC scheduled later this week by LB City Manager Jerry Miller, Airport Manager Chris Kunze, City Attorney Bob Shannon and Dep. City Attorney Mike Mais to discuss the late night flights with JetBlue CEO David Neeleman.
Councilman Carroll indicated he would consider renewing his call for such a resolution if efforts by city officials to resolve the matter with JetBlue proved unsuccessful.
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Related coverage:
Councilman Carroll Proposes Creating (Another) City Hall Chosen Airport Advisory Group, This Time For Issues Surrounding Proposed Permanent Expansion Of Airport Terminal Facilities; LBHUSH2 Blasts Proposal