JetBlue pushes for customs facility for international flights at Long Beach Airport

JetBlue A320-232 (c/n 2231) N590JB "Liberty Blue" arrives at Long Beach Airport (LGB/KLGB) on March 15, 2011 sporting the carriers "Plaid" tail livery.

(Photo by Michael Carter)

It was a few words in a six-page brochure seeking candidates for the vacant Long Beach Airport director position.

But the words, stating the new director will be expected to “influence discussion and garner community support for a federal customs facility,” are leading to a defense of the city’s 19-year-old airport noise ordinance.

At issue is the desire by JetBlue Airways Corp. to open a customs facility to accommodate international air travel at the Long Beach Airport, where 41 commercial and 25 commuter flights are permitted daily.

JetBlue, the largest airline that flies out of the airport, is in initial discussions with the city to add international flights.

In preparation for the talks, Councilman Al Austin, whose district is in the airport’s flight path, pushed through a request Tuesday to hold a study session on the airport noise ordinance within 45 days. The purpose, he says, is for his newly-elected colleagues to become fully informed on the law prior to any deliberations taking place.

Austin, in a guest commentary in Tuesday’s Press-Telegram, wrote the Noise Compatibility Ordinance was “ground breaking and precedent setting” when it was passed in 1995.

“We are one of only a small handful of airports in the country that have grandfathered status under federal law to enforce airport flight and noise restrictions, giving Long Beach one of the strongest protections to control airport noise in the country,” he said.

“While we all want to see the airport prosper, we must not make rash decisions on significant changes to the airport without a robust community discussion. Jeopardizing the noise ordinance could adversely affect property values and negatively impact our air quality and the health of thousands of families.”

Assistant City Manager Tom Modica said Wednesday, however, the inclusion of the passage about guiding the creation of a federal customs facility was deleted from a draft approved earlier this year.

“When those comments went back to the recruiter to put together the brochure, it was inadvertently included,” Modica said.

The recruitment period for the position ended Aug. 26. A letter was sent to candidates on Oct. 28 informing them of the error.

Austin said he was aware of the letter, but he is suspicious about why the expectation was ever included.

“I’m glad it was removed, but it tells me there’s a sentiment out there, either from airport staff or City Hall, that this thing is moving forward,” said Austin. 

He added: “The whole idea of having a customs facility hasn’t been vetted, it hasn’t been discussed and staff hasn’t been given any direction in that regard.”

Long Beach Airport spokeswoman Kerry Gerot said it’s an issue officials will have to look at, and as the process moves forward, there will be extensive opportunities for the public to offer input.

“All due diligence will need to take place and will take place,” Gerot said.

The airport’s noise ordinance works by measuring decibel levels at a monitoring station near the runway. Violations of the ordinance, which discourages flights after 10 p.m., carry a fine. Any commercial aircraft arriving or departing after 11 p.m. are fined.

Gerot said with or without a customs facility, that doesn’t change.

“The city and the airport stand fully behind the noise ordinance and we do everything we can to protect it,” Gerot said.

Former Airport Director Mario Rodriguez announced in April he would be leaving Long Beach to become the new head of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

Last month, city officials said they are on track to hire a successor by the end of the year.

(Eric Bradley - Long Beach Press Telegram)