The Hollywood Burbank Airport is currently undergoing a major expansion with the “Elevate BUR” project, a comprehensive initiative designed to revamp the existing infrastructure. Spearheaded by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (BGPAA), this project aims to replace the old terminal with a new 355,000 square-foot structure.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the groundbreaking ceremony on January 25, 2024, which saw over 300 community leaders and stakeholders in attendance, concerns linger among local residents regarding the airport’s adherence to a voluntary curfew. Notably, recent incidents have brought this issue to the forefront, such as a 7:12 PM scheduled Alaskan Airlines flight on February 18, 2024, that soared through Magnolia Park at 10:30 PM, more than three hours late. Additionally, an Ameriflight plane caused a disturbance, rattling windows at 2:07 AM on February 20, 2024. These events are just a few examples highlighting the challenge of enforcing the voluntary curfew, intended to restrict takeoffs and landings between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM to minimize noise pollution and its impact on the surrounding communities.
The “Elevate BUR” project promises a variety of dining and shopping options, upgraded restrooms, more spacious areas for passenger movement, a new ticketing lobby, an updated TSA checkpoint, and a modern baggage claim area. The design also prioritizes environmental sustainability, aiming for at least a LEED Silver certification and incorporating features like electric vehicle charging stations and reduced water usage.
However, the project’s claimed benefits are juxtaposed against ongoing concerns related to flight curfew adherence. The incidents involving late-night flights underscore a broader issue affecting residents’ quality of life, particularly those in close proximity to the airport. The voluntary curfew, while a gesture towards mitigating noise pollution, appears to lack the enforcement mechanism necessary to ensure compliance by the airlines. Many pilots and their bosses just don’t follow it at all.
Moreover, while the expansion is presented as allegedly bearing no cost to local taxpayers, it has sparked a debate regarding escalating costs due to local Burbank ordinances. Burbank’s Municipal Code 10-1-1114, which mandates developers to allocate funds for public art will definitely increase project expenses by millions of dollars. Critics argue that this bad ordinance will lead to higher operational costs, passed down to consumers. The debate extends to the relevance and permanence of mandated art contributions, given the evolving nature of cultural tastes and the question of whether such investments are essential to development projects.
In conclusion, the “Elevate BUR” project represents a significant step forward in modernizing Hollywood Burbank Airport, promising enhanced facilities, safety, and environmental sustainability. However, the excitement is tempered by concerns over the enforcement of the voluntary curfew and the implications of mandatory art contributions.
