TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Carrie Tai, AICP, Community Development Director
George Gabriel, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Request to Discuss Comments on Los Angeles World Airports Proposed Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project at Los Angeles International Airport (Community Development Director Tai).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction regarding the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project (ATMP) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) proposed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 16, 2021, meeting, three City Councilmembers requested to discuss and agendize the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project (ATMP) proposed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
LAWA is proposing to implement airfield, terminal, and landside roadway improvements and consists of several primary elements. These include: 1) airfield improvements that would enhance operational management and safety within the north airfield, 2) new terminal facilities to upgrade passenger processing capabilities and enhance the passenger experience and 3) an improved system of roadways to better access the Central Terminal Area (CTA) and new facilities while reducing congestion. Staff has attached a PowerPoint presentation regarding the project that was presented to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (Attachment).
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared to inform the public and decision-makers about the environmental impacts of the proposed LAX ATMP. The deadline for comments on the draft EIR is March 15, 2021.
As a regular course of staff’s responsibilities, staff reviews environmental documents, including EIRs, for projects in adjacent cities or in the region to determine whether there are any environmental impacts on the community. If staff identifies deficiencies in the environmental documents during the review, staff will send a comment letter to the lead agency of the project. Staff is currently reviewing the Draft EIR for the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project. Comments to the EIR must be specific and substantive and be focused on any perceived deficiencies or inadequacies of the EIR, and not simply objections to the project.
DISCUSSION:
Several cities have been discussing the proposed LAX ATMP. Given the proximity and potential impacts the project may have on the City of El Segundo, the City of El Segundo has indicated that it is preparing a comment letter on the draft EIR expressing their concerns with the impacts of the project.
On February 23, 2021, the City of Hermosa Beach City Council conducted a discussion regarding the project and authorized staff to hire a consultant to draft a comment letter on the ATMP similar to the letter that El Segundo is currently drafting. Additionally, staff was directed to reach out to El Segundo to see the extent to which they will share their draft comments for Hermosa Beach consideration. Lastly, staff was further directed to agendize a draft comment letter on March 9, 2021, for City Council consideration.
On February 25, 2021 (after the posting of this agenda), the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) held a discussion regarding a draft letter to LAWA regarding the project (Attachment). The draft letter raises concerns and comments regarding enhanced regionalization, growth projections, traffic impacts to the South Bay and Terminal 9. At the time the agenda was printed (2/25/21), staff was unaware of the SCCOG’s action on the letter.
From time to time, the City sends letters taking a position or conveying concerns on policy matters. For example, the City Council may issue a letter stating that it is opposed to a certain policy or proposed legislation. In these instances, the Mayor is authorized to sign a letter on behalf of the City Council representing the entire City Council’s view. Should the City Council desire to take a policy position on the LAX ATMP after discussion, staff would draft a letter reflecting the position.
In addition, because staff is currently reviewing the draft EIR for the LAX ATMP, the City Council could request that staff focus on specific topics or concerns discussed in the draft EIR. Staff will send the draft letter to the City Council prior to transmittal to LAWA.
Therefore, staff is seeking direction on whether the City Council would like to authorize the Mayor to sign a policy letter (similar to the one drafted by the SBCCOG) conveying comments or concerns associated with the proposed LAWA project. Staff will continue reviewing the draft EIR and comment on any concerns with the EIR’s content.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction regarding the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project proposed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PowerPoint Presentation (LAWA to South Bay Cities Council of Governments)
2. Draft Letter Prepared by South Bay Cities Council of Governments