Next public hearing will be a little longer, but not by much.
A city ordinance passed in 1982 bans lightweight vehicles at the airport. It was in response to safety concerns of them interacting with more powerful aircraft.
A city ordinance passed in 1982 bans lightweight vehicles at the airport. It was in response to safety concerns of them interacting with more powerful aircraft.
"They were not considered to be aircraft back in 1982," says Erika Vandenbrande, the city's transportation head.
But now they are. The FAA has let Boulder know it can’t ban lightweight vehicles (it got a complaint).
Staff recommending repeal of that ordinance.
Staff recommending repeal of that ordinance.
Staff is already allowing ultra-light vehicles to use the airport so they aren't defying the FAA, but the ordinance still needs repealed, Vandenbrande says.
Boulder can request a safety study if they're concerned, Vandenbrande says, but the FAA has said they are safe.
Boulder basically has to follow FAA rules at the airport, or risk losing $$ (and having to repay federal $$ its gotten in the past), as we've talked about in discussing killing the airport and using the land for housing.
Young: Could the city sustain the airport without the FAA grants?
Vandenbrande: We'd have to do an analysis. We'd need to explore that further.
Vandenbrande: We'd have to do an analysis. We'd need to explore that further.
Brockett: "We essentially don't really have a choice in this, right? It sounds like we'd be subject to FAA action."
Vandenbrande: "That would be accurate."
Vandenbrande: "That would be accurate."
Wallach: When can we issue a safety study?
Vandenbrande: If we felt that a particular aircraft or type were unsafe. But the FAA has already shared with us they don't feel these aircraft are unsafe. Our airport manager agreed with that.
Vandenbrande: If we felt that a particular aircraft or type were unsafe. But the FAA has already shared with us they don't feel these aircraft are unsafe. Our airport manager agreed with that.
Wallach is a big proponent of turning the airport into housing. He asks if noise complaints can trigger a safety study.
They cannot, Vandenbrande says. It has to be about safety.
They cannot, Vandenbrande says. It has to be about safety.
I live by the airport, btw. I hardly ever hear a thing. Cars are much louder. But I'm not gonna say other ppl can't/shouldn't be bothered. To each their own, I suppose.
Weaver: This will have very little impact on the noise at the airport, so that's why I'm supporting it.
As does everyone else.
@threadreaderapp please unroll. Thank you!
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