September 21, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

All is Quiet: Construction Begins on Final Phase of SMO Runway Shortening

By Jennifer Eden

Sunset Park residents woke to the sound of silence Wednesday morning as operations at Santa Monica Airport (SMO) literally came to a grinding halt; the runway shortening project entered its final phase.

The 10-day complete shutdown of SMO is to shorten the runway to 3,500 feet from its previous 4,973-foot length.

“The peace and quiet at the moment is a hugely welcome relief from the recent hell from ever-increasing jet noise,” resident Gavin Scott told The Mirror.

The construction is scheduled to finish Dec. 23 according to the City, with the airport closed to all aircraft operations during this time and construction crews working 24 hours a day.

The shortening is part of a Consent Decree between the City of Santa Monica and the Federal Aviation Administration.

“This is a historic day for the residents of Santa Monica and demonstrates the City’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents and our neighbors,” said Mayor Ted Winterer. “The shortened runway will reduce jet operations over the next ten years while also enhancing the safety areas on either end of the runway, something our residents have called for for many years.”

The City circulated an email earlier this week stating: “Starting December 24, there will be a reduction in jet aircraft operations resulting from the shortened runway, which will minimize the overall noise exposure to the residents near the airport. In addition, the enhanced safety areas at the end of the runway will protect residents from jet aircraft going beyond the runway ends and into residential neighborhoods.”

Some in the aviation community warn of noise increases due to smaller jets being forced to alter their landing and takeoff paths closer to homes due to a shorter runway, some residents say that this would be impossible.

“If smaller jets flew any closer to our house they would be going through our kitchen: any closer would be absolutely inexcusable,” commented Scott.

At the same time, an airport air quality study has been commissioned by the City, with Tufts University awarded the $54,342 contract.

“With this study, the City seeks to learn whether the change in the turbine aircraft fleet mix impacts the air quality surrounding the airport by comparing levels before and after the runway shortening against baseline data collected during the closure,” the City said. The study began Dec. 4. For more on SMO go to: smgov.net/departments/airport.

SMO runway lies empty on the eve of its shortening.
Photos: Mark Smith
Planes parked at the side of the SMO runway prior to the runway shortening.
Related Posts

Plant-Based Deli Opening on Montana Avenue

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023

It Is Described as a “Casually Gourmet” Space With “Take a Number” Paper Tickets A fresh, plant-based sub-sando concept is...

Exclusive: One of the West Coast’s Most Celebrated Ice Cream Shops To Open in Brentwood

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Interview With Co-Founder Kim Malek Talks About Their Hopes For Their New Shop By Dolores Quintana It’s been six long...

Innovative Grant Meant to Boost Santa Monica Police Safety Efforts In Retail Stores

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Collaborative Funding Enhances Crime Prevention and Public Safety By Dolores Quintana Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that the Santa...

Andeana Hats Presents Exclusive Events at Water Garden in Santa Monica

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

Join The Hat Brand for a Day of Fashion and Fun, Open to All, with RSVP By Dolores Quintana Andeana...

Opera Under the Stars: Santa Monica’s Night of Enchantment

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

Don Giovanni at the Santa Monica Pier Live Broadcast By Dolores Quintana Join the Los Angeles Opera for an unforgettable...

Grammy-Winning Jazz Icon to Perform at Santa Monica Performing Arts Center, Mentor SMC Students

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

Clarke’s Impressive Body of Work Includes 70 Film and Television Scores, Leading To Three Emmy Nominations and a BMI Award...

Emily Dickinson Musical Theatre Tribute Coming to Santa Monica

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

It Will Celebrate Dickinson With Spoken Renditions of Her Writings and Music Compositions Inspired by Her Poems The Verdi Chorus...

(Video) Seniors on Walkers Using Bike Lane to Avoid Homeless Encampments

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

Elderly who reside at a Venice daycare center are resorting to the bike lane on their daily walk to avoid...

SMMUSD Assistant Superintendent Passes Away at 46

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

She Dedicated Six Years to SMMUSD in Her Current Role Dr. Jacqueline Mora, the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at...

Santa Monica Serial Killer Charged in Homicide of Cellmate

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

The Man Pleaded Guilty Last Year in the Murder of Several Victims Including Three in Santa Monica By Zach Armstrong...

Santa Monica City Council Proclaims Official Start of Hispanic Heritage Month

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

The City Has Numerous Activities To Celebrate Latinos and Their History  By Dolores Quintana The City Council of Santa Monica...

Developer to Propose Five Story Mixed-Use Project Across Metro Terminus

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

The Project Would Include 6,883 Square Feet of Ground Floor Commercial Space By Zach Armstrong Local real estate developer Worthe...

Drunk Driver Arrested For Crashing Into SMPD Officer

September 15, 2023

September 15, 2023

The Officer Had Been Ejected From Her Scooter By Zach Armstrong At the intersection of Yale Street and Santa Monica...

Beloved Palisadian Book & Antique Shop Set to Close

September 15, 2023

September 15, 2023

Its Walls Are Covered With Ceiling-Reaching Book Shelves Displaying an Impressive Collection By Zach Armstrong Collection Antiques and Books, a...

Environmentalists Crash Retailer’s Grand Opening in West L.A. Over Controversial Restoration Project

September 15, 2023

September 15, 2023

The Store’s Nonprofit Partner Supports a Controversial Preservation Project By Zach Armstrong REI Co-op is a Seattle retailer that sells...