BURBANK — Time may be running out on the deal for a new 14-gate, $300-million terminal at Burbank Airport.
Under the tentative agreement negotiated last year, the Burbank City Council must approve the project by May 24 or the agreement could be voided--and most of the land set aside for the new terminal could be sold.
Burbank officials say they aren't close to a deal, especially now that the Federal Aviation Administration has raised objections to the terminal agreement. And the FAA is only the latest in a string of opponents.
Airlines oppose plans to close the terminal from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., saying it is a backdoor attempt to limit flights. Key politicians, including Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Mission Hills) and Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn, object to a proposed ban on easterly takeoffs, saying it would mean more noise for communities to the west and south within Los Angeles city limits.
Also, many Burbank residents say the agreement does not offer adequate protections against noise--and last week City Councilman Bob Kramer reversed course and said he will oppose the draft agreement.
Airport Authority President Carl Meseck expressed confidence that the city and airport officials will reach an agreement--and said that, if necessary, the May 24 deadline can be extended.
"I don't think anything is make or break in this situation," Meseck said. "Deadlines can always be adjusted if you're making progress."
But others say officials need to move more quickly to resolve the issues.
"The timing right now is clearly becoming tighter," said Peter Kirsch, special counsel for Burbank on airport issues. "Neither the city nor the authority has the luxury of being casual."
The deadline was contained in the tentative agreement approved by negotiators for the city and the Airport Authority on Aug. 3. Any extension would have to be approved by both parties.
Dispute With FAA Delays Talks
Airport spokesman Victor Gill said he believes a deadline extension is likely, but added that other possibilities include selling the land and attempting to build a new terminal elsewhere on airport property.
Burbank had been in negotiations with the airport for a terminal development deal but suspended those talks two weeks ago, citing a dispute with FAA Administrator Jane Garvey.
Garvey has objected to the plans for the easterly takeoffs and has complained that "all interested parties"--including residents, airlines and the FAA--were not involved in crafting the framework for settlement.
