Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, December 19, 2023

1 Xavier Mota
From: Alejandra Villeda
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 3:53 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Clerk Mailbox
Cc: Josh Kurpies; Stelios Makrides; Diana Hernandez; councilmtgitems Subject: Airport Commission Recommendation - Item 11.A.

On December 11, 2023, the Airport Commission unanimously passed the following motion, see email below.

Thank you,
Ale Villeda
Airport Staff Assistant III
Office: (310) 458-8591
Direct: (310) 458-2201 ext. 2368
santamonica.gov
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From: Diane Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 8:33 PM
To: Andrew Wilder <[email protected]>
Cc: Diana Hernandez <[email protected]>; Alejandra Villeda <[email protected]>; Stelios Makrides <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: AC Recommendation tonight
Thank you, Andrew!
Motion proposed by Vice Chair Wilder & seconded by Commissioner Neri, passed unanimously by roll call vote.

This will be transmitted to City Council in advance of the meeting on Tuesday, December 19, yes? From: Andrew Wilder <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 8:27:10 PM
To: Diane Reynolds <[email protected]>
Cc: Diana Hernandez <[email protected]>; Alejandra Villeda <[email protected]>; Stelios Makrides <[email protected]>
Subject: AC Recommendation tonight
Hi All,
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Here's the motion language from tonight (pasted below).

Thanks!
Best,
Andrew
The Airport Commission recommends that the City Council hire Sasaki for the public outreach process and next steps for conversion of the airport into a Great Park. We also support the addition of a Principal Design and Planning Manager focused full-time on the Airport Conversion Project.

Furthermore, we strongly recommend that the City Council direct Staff and Sasaki to explore only land uses already approved under Measure LC that would not require a general election vote. Any other uses requiring a vote should only be considered once the airport has been closed on December 31, 2028.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Sejon Ding <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 4:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A Tuesday Night 12/19

EXTERNAL
We need a GREAT but SIMPLE Park in the Westside, a park with tall trees, native plants and a few benches.....no playground, no play equipment of any kind, no school or community gardens or buildings, the least amount of paving possible so one can simply stroll, jog or walk their dogs, listening to the sound of birds and the rustling of the leaves. No lawn mover, no blower, no mechanical noises.

The UCLA Botanical Garden is a great example.

Best regards,

Sejon Ding
Pristine Windows, Inc
Tel: 310-446-8180
www.pristinewindows.com
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Dirk V <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 4:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Councilpersons:

It’s so important to take the direction of the voters and take all deliberate steps to move toward converting the airport to the park that the community needs and deserves. Don’t get distracted by the needs of the moment, and think of the City residents’ long term need…a great big multi purpose park (not housing, or retail, or a business park, or anything commercial).

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jeannine Oppewall <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 4:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
The Santa Monica airport should be turned into a park.

AddiƟons of condos, apartments, shopping, offices, etc. would make the enƟre area impossible to live in.

Traffic would freeze up. As it is now, it can take up to 20 minutes just to get out of Dewey St. onto Walgrove.

Who wants to live this way? I’d rather have the airport than more development.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Susan Alinsangan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 5:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Can you imagine what New York would be like if they didn’t set aside land and build Central Park 165 years ago in 1858? That was the legacy New York ciƟzens leŌ for the future.

Now imagine Santa Monica 165 years from today with our Great Park and what influence that will have in our society? We will NEVER have this chance at a park of this magnitude again. We should all take great care of how the future views our choices. Just like we should look back 97 years to 1926 when this exact parcel of land was purchased with a Parks Bond. One could argue that the original intent for this land was a park. That was their legacy to us.

In 1926 residents voted to purchase this land under a Parks Bond, it passed and the land was bought. In 2014 your consƟtuents voted for Measure LC and it passed. Why isn’t the voice of the voters being being heard? Why are we fighƟng to have our vote executed? Why is our vote valueless? Why are we a city of 91,000 who just do performaƟve voƟng?
Make this Great Park a reality today. And 165 years from now our descendants will know how we considered, voted and fought for them.

Kind Regards,
Susan Alinsangan
Santa Monica Resident
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Dennis Wilder <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 5:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Please go ahead with the Park and don't delay or require anything that needs another ballot measure, and finally make it what the city and neighborhood needs and wants.

Thank you.

D. Wilder
1905 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica 90405
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Simona Garon <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 6:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11 A

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members
I am writing to express my opinion as Santa Monica resident to please keep it simple and focus on a park developed by Sasaki firm. Focus on the park already voted for twice by Santa Monica residents, both past and present. Any uses not specified in LC will require another ballot measure. We voted in 2014 to close the airport to finally build the park.

Let's get to it.

Regards,
Simona Garon, PhD
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Grace Gabe <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 7:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: please keep it a PARK!

EXTERNAL
i’m one of those old Ɵme santa monica home owners who has been waiƟng for 30 years to have a lovely park where the airport has been. it would add so much beauty to our community . and provide a place for summer concerts and an outdoor theater. please please don’t build more apartment houses . let the green flourish. grace gabe
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 12:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: City Council 12/19 agenda item 11-A

EXTERNAL
December 15, 2023
To: Mayor Brock and City Council members
From: Zina Josephs
RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report:
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com//Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1385&MediaPosition =&ID=6091&CssClass=

1) I urge you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

If all or part of the Airport land is permanently closed to aviation use, no new development of that land shall be allowed until the voters have approved limits on the uses and development that may occur on the land.

However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of  parks,
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2  public open spaces, and
 public recreational facilities; and the
 maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.

Another ballot measure could:
(a) begin a renewed battle over the future of the Airport, possibly involving the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), which spent nearly $1 million in 2014 to defeat Measure LC,
(b) push the closure and conversion timeline beyond midnight on December 31, 2028, and (c) further delay public access to parkland that the city purchased with a park bond in 1926.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

Again, please direct city staff and Sasaki Associates to avoid triggering another ballot measure. 2) I also support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project, focused on a "Great Park."
As a reminder, the City of Santa Monica had a "Great Park" on what is now Airport land from 1927 to 1941. So the goal is actually "park restoration."
************************************************************************ From Michael Brodsky of Airport 2 Park:

April 1926
Santa Monica Passes Parks Bond - $860,000 for 168 acres passed by a 3 to 1 majority April 1927
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December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
3 Ground Breaking Ceremonies on Clover Park recreational facilities and Golf Course….

May 1928
Sunday Morning Outlook reported Clover Field Day was held on Sunday, May 27, 1928:
“Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Pistol and Archery Ranges to Attract Recreation Seekers” "This is Clover Field Day. All the world is invited to inspect the beautiful clubhouse, greens and fairways and participate in the dedicatory ceremonies at Santa Monica's brand new pay-as-you-play golf course…Trap and pistol shooting and archery will claim their devotees, while a number of interesting tennis matches have been arranged….”
*New Recreation uses included Playgrounds, Tennis courts, Playing Fields, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Archery Range. Shooting Range, Recreation Center, 18-Hole Golf Course, Picnic Grounds, Airfield
November 1928
Sunday Morning Outlook showcases the new Clover Field Park:
“The Brightest Jewel in Santa Monica’s Crown and that Clover Field Mecca for Lovers of All Sporting Pursuits Each Week-end”

1931 -- Ralph Guldahl was one of the 10 youngest players to ever win a PGA tournament, at the Santa Monica Open.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
4 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Ralph Guldahl
Ralph Guldahl won the 1937 and 1938 U.S. Opens as well as the 1939 Masters. (Photo: Associated Press) Age: 19 years, 8 months, 3 days
Tournament: 1931 Santa Monica Open
About: When he won the 1931 Santa Monica Open, he was more than 3 months shy of his 20th birthday. Guldahl had 16 pro victories and entered the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981....He held his own and won three majors while competing against the likes of Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

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5 https://golfweek.usatoday.com/lists/10-youngest-winners-in-pga-tour-history/ December 1941
The U.S Government took control of Clover Field Park and closed it to recreational use.

This was the end of our "Greatest Park" leaving Santa Monica without a recreation park of even a modest size.
1945
The runway was moved from original location (where the Santa Monica Business Park is today) and relocated and expanded over the original Clover Field Park and golf course. 2014
Residents pass Measure LC -- “If all or part of the Airport land is permanently closed to aviation use, no new development of that land shall be allowed” -- The only exception would be the development of “parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities.” https://itsourland.org/measure-lc-vs-measure-d/

TODAY
The loss of Clover Field Park in 1941 is the reason Santa Monica lacks adequate park space today.

According to the L.A. County Parks Needs Assessment in 2016, we have a meager 1.4 acres of park space per 1,000 residents. This is the lowest amount of park space for any city of our size in California.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Steven Naftali <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 2:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Nojets Info
Subject: Santa Monica City Council Meeting 12-19-2023 Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Honorable City Council Members:

This is to respectfully request that at your meeting on 12-19-2023, Item 11A, please ask the design firm, Sasaki to only design a park at the site of the Santa Monica Airport. This is to comply with the Measure LC. I respectfully request that you please do not ask the designer Sasaki to add any other item or items to the park. The citizens of Santa Monica have voted for a park and only a park at the site of SMO. Please, let us keep it simple.

Regards,
Steve Naftali
[email protected]
The information transmitted is intended only for the person which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Peter Spelman <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 2:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A - Airport to park conversion

EXTERNAL
12/15/23
Hello Councilmembers:

I'm writing to confirm that the only thing you will ask the conversion company to do is to plan for a park. This is what the people of Santa Monica have voted for (resoundingly). There should be nothing in the planning about housing or anything other than a park; period.

Surely you, as elected officials, wish to do the will of the people, especially when that will has so clearly been demonstrated (many times).

I would love to hear from each of you that yes, you agree that the only thing to be developed on that airport land is a park, period.

We're watching, and counting on you to do the right thing. It's easy.

Thank you.

Peter Spelman
730 Marine St.

SM 90405
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Brodsky, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 3:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Attachments: SantaMonica-lack-of-park-space.png

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I support the staff report to hire Sasaki Associates, Inc. to lead the planning process to restore our once Great Park that was previously located on the land that the Airport now occupies.

I support the staff request to add a full time city staff park planner to help with the support for this restoration process.

Most importantly, I support the public process that is expressly committed to moving forward with a plan to create a Great Park consistent with Measure LC allowing only for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities.

Santa Monica is severely is lacking in parks and open space.

Only a Great Park can provide important nature based solutions to many of the problems that will face our community - generations - into the future.

Only a Great Park can provide Increased Biodiversity; Sequester Carbon; Reclaim ground water; Filter and clean the air; Reduce urban heat island effect; Reduce noise; Provide active transportation; Increase positive health outcomes; Create jobs; Provide educational resources: Provide cultural services; Support future adjacent housing; Increase Social interaction; Provide park access and equity for everyone.

Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Santa Monica
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Joseph Hardin <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 6:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11

EXTERNAL
Council Members,
Thanks for your hard work.

Please direct the design firm Sasaki, to begin visioning and planning the Great Park that will replace SMO as soon as possible. Please direct them to follow the allowable uses of the property described in Measure LC. The voters of Santa Monica passed Measure LC by a landslide because they want more parkland and open spaces in our city. We can have a workable plan for the parkland ready to break ground in five years or less when we decide to do the right thing. It's up to you to keep the ball rolling. The Ɵme to plant a tree (or more importantly trees) is 20 years ago...So, for your children and your children's children let's make this happen.

Happy Holidays, Joe
Joseph Hardin
2349 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Stephen Unger <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 4:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11 A. (Tuesday, December 19th) Closure of Santa Monica Airport on December 31, 2028

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers:

Please keep it simple and focus on a park. Focus on the park already voted for twice by Santa Monica residents, both past and present. Do not delay one hour on the vote for closure of the SM Airport on December 31, 2028.

Thank you,
Stephen A. Unger
Longtime Homeowner, Resident, Taxpayer and Voter
Santa Monica, CA
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
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December 19, 2023
3 ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Kari Hanson <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 4:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
The people voted and the City must “prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities, until the voters approve limits on the uses and development that may occur on the land.” The City must not fund or start any development process that explores uses that are currently prohibited by Measure LC, nor should the City initiate a ballot measure to allow prohibited development on the land. Measure LC should not be manipulated to begin an illegal development process.

Thank you!
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Neil Carrey <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 10:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: December 19, 2023 Agenda Item 11

EXTERNAL
The Staff report for this item is excellent. I strongly recommend that the City Council accepts the recommendation and hires Sasaki for the public outreach process and next steps for conversion of the airport into a Great Park. It is also very important that Council supports the addition of a Principal Design and Planning Manager focused full-time on the Airport Conversion Project. After approving the expansion of Airport Park but then delaying the expansion because of a shortage of funds, it is important to accept the Staff recommendation and move forward with this process to show the residents that City Council is really serious about creating a Great Park here in Santa Monica. Thanks.

Neil Carrey
Email: [email protected]
(c) 310-200-5067
(t) 310-451-9188
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 11:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Meeting, December 19, 2023, Agenda Item 11A, Agreement with Sasaki Associates

EXTERNAL
I urge the Council and Staff to preserve and honor: (1) the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park, (2) the definitive 2014 Measure LC citywide vote that established Charter Amendment LC, and (3) the 2017 Consent Decree and 2017 City Council SMO Closure Resolution No. 11026 which ensures airport closure at midnight 12/31/2028.

Mr. E. Arias
[email protected]
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 11:44 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
I cannot support the establishment of a park on the site of the current airport unƟl a plan for the unhoused resident situaƟon is implemented.

I would consider a plan that included some subsidized housing at the site but not one that includes another mega development. The disastrous decision to allow a high density complex at Lincoln and Ocean Park will strain our road and services infrastructure way past their limits. Sunset Park cannot accommodate the addiƟonal load.

Thank you,
C.G.

Sunset Park
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Allison Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 11:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
As a resident of Sunset Park, I fully support making the airport land a park as per the last vote! It is my hope that the council will honor the original wishes of Santa Monica residents and follow through on that vote. Let’s be completely honest and acknowledge that the pressure in California to always make room for more housing development is real and will probably always exist BUT the opportunity to create an urban green space and park to affect current and future generaƟons is a quality of life step for EVERYONE that lives in the surrounding area and a once in a lifeƟme opportunity.

Thank you, Allison Greene
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Kenny Fields <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
To all current Council Members,
I am wriƟng today to express my disappointment that the Council is even discussing the idea of looking into other uses for the soon to be closed Santa Monica Airport. Having lived in Sunset Park since 1993, I am very familiar with the history of the airport, the area and the facts surrounding the Council’s last “deal” with the FAA to extend the life of the airport another 10 years.

The use of the land of the soon to be former airport was determined in a general elecƟon and even though severely outspent by pro airport groups, the consƟtuents in the City of Santa Monica voted overwhelmingly to close the airport and create a Great Park to replace the airport. When the measure was passed, many were skepƟcal that the money interests would not be able to maneuver their way into developing swaths of this vast open space for commercial uses.

Most recently, with the lack of housing being such a hot buƩon issue in peoples minds and in the press, I’m sure there is discussion about using some of this land for housing.

There are plenty of good alternaƟve uses for this land except the voƟng public in Santa Monica have already spoken up with the only voice they have which is the ballot box. They decisively chose to use all of this land for a Great Park, not addiƟonal housing or restaurants or retail or any other thing you can think of that is not a park.

A park would be areas of playing fields, courts, large open spaces, play equipment with tables and benches and other ameniƟes to be enjoyed by the general public. It could include all sorts of outdoor uses and even make use of some of the exisƟng buildings on the site. It will be an awesome benefit for the enƟre populaƟon of the city and beyond.

The voƟng public was very clear in their direcƟon to the Council siƫng when LC passed, and it should be very clear to all of those serving currently on the Council, the people of your City want a Great Park on the land where the airport currently sits.

Thank You,
Kenny Fields
1740 Cedar Street
Unit B
Santa Monica, CA 90405
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ann Bowman
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Clerk Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Cc: David White; Susan Cline; David Martin; Rick Valte; Amber Richane; Christopher Dishlip; Amelia Feichtner; Jenny Rogers; Jeanette Gant; Steven Johnson; Andrew Gomez; Maryanne LaGuardia; John Smith; Lori Brown; Arati Desai Wagabaza; Ann Bowman; Noe Mendoza; Danielle Noble
Subject: December 19, 2023 Council Meeting - Item 11.A. - Recreation and Parks Commission Letter Re: The Airport Planning Process
Attachments: Recreation and Parks Commission Re The Airport Planning Process.pdf Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Esteemed Councilmembers:

With the approval and direction of the Chair of the Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC), attached for the public record for Item 11.A. (Sasaki engagement) is the letter the RPC sent to you on November 7, 2023 regarding the community engagement process for planning the future of what is currently Santa Monica Airport.

Echoing our words on November 7th, thank you from the RPC to the majority of Councilmembers who voted earlier this Fall in favor of an open, extensive, inclusive community engagement process rather than a limited and exclusive one.

We look forward to working together to achieve a community-serving and exceptional Great Park in accordance with the community's direction in the passage of Measure LC.

Sincerely,
City of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission
Steven Johnson, Chair
Andrew Gomez, Vice Chair
Maryanne LaGuardia
Lori Brown
John C. Smith
Arati Desai Wagabaza
Ann Bowman
City Clerk – Please include this letter in the Public Record for Agenda Item 11.A., City Council meeting of December 19, 2023.

From: Noe Mendoza <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 4:11 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Gleam Davis <[email protected]>; Phil Brock <[email protected]>; Christine Parra <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Caroline Torosis <[email protected]>; Oscar de la Torre <[email protected]> Cc: Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]>; Santa Monica City Manager's Office <[email protected]>; Jeanette Gant <[email protected]>; Maryanne LaGuardia <[email protected]>; Steven Johnson <[email protected]>; Arati Desai Wagabaza <[email protected]>; Lori Brown <[email protected]>; Andrew Gomez <[email protected]>; John Smith <[email protected]>; Danielle Noble <[email protected]>; David White <[email protected]>; Ann Bowman <[email protected]>
Subject: Recreation and Parks Commission Letter Re: The Airport Planning Process

Hello,

I have attached to this email a letter written by the Recreation and Parks Commission Re: The Airport Planning Process.

Thank you.

Noe Mendoza
Staff Assistant III
santamonica.gov
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ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Recreation and Parks Commission
November 7, 2023
Mayor Davis and City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: The Airport Planning Process
Dear Mayor Davis and Esteemed Councilmembers -
The Recreation & Parks Commissioners voted unanimously at our Thursday, October 19th, meeting to write this letter thanking Council for rejecting the "Healthy Democracy" proposal for the Airport-to-Park planning community engagement.

The proposed lottery-based system to engage on the future of Santa Monica airport is the opposite of and runs counter to our City's long, strong history of robust community engagement. The proposal seemed also quite specific in its intention to cut out stakeholder voices and duly appointed advisory bodies. That this experimental approach to governance, by a company with no track record of success, made its way to Council without first being presented in detail to both the Recreation & Parks Commission and the Airport Commission is deeply concerning. These Commissions exist to review and advise Council on matters such as these.

We appreciate Council asking Staff to work with Sasaki to bring forward a proposal for an engagement process more in keeping with the broad-based and inclusive community engagements we've seen with past planning efforts in our City.

In addition, we ask that the direction given to Sasaki acknowledge and reflect the discussion and support by a majority of Councilmembers at the October 10, 2023 Council Meeting for removal of the words "and development" from what was going to be the proposed framing question for "Healthy Democracy's" work.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Further, we request that Council affirm and recognize the community's understanding of Measure LC (airport-to-park) as the guiding assumption and frame of reference for this community engagement work.

Finally, we ask that (1) a representative from the Recreation and Parks Commission be a member of any advisory body for the airport community engagement (as with, for example, the Civic Working Group) and further that (2) the Recreation and Parks Commission review and vet any conclusions and proposals for airport planning at a regularly-scheduled or special RPC meeting before that presentation is made to Council for its consideration.

We look forward to working side-by-side with Staff, the community, and Council to achieve this Great Park!
Sincerely,
City of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission
Steven Johnson, Chair
Andrew Gomez, Vice Chair
John C. Smith
Lori Brown
Maryanne LaGuardia
Arati Desai Wagabaza
Ann K. Bowman
CC: David White,
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Cris Armstrong <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
Councilmember
On this upcoming Tuesday you have an opportunity to lead the council and the city into a new and long deserved future of public trust, You and the council can direct Sasaki to restore the park land bought and voted for in 1926 and 2014 as the great park it is meant to be.

You have dedicated decades in service to city with concern for the safety of the residents.You and the council can make a decision and deliver a gift that will be remembered for lifetimes.

Sure, there are other uses and needs in the city that require land, but none of them necessitate breaking up the only large piece of land left; a space bought, paid, and voted to be a park, fair and square, with no ambiguity.

Please do not waste time and money exploring all possibilities for the land. Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park.

Give the kids of many generations a park and memories they will cherish for their lifetimes and the lifetimes of their children as well.

The future can be brighter and someone has to lead to make it happen.

Thank and whoever walks with you from all of us, past and present, who made the time to vote, advocate, and believe dreams can come true.

Get Outlook for iOS
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Asa Greenberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Hello!
As a Santa Monica homeowner and business owner, I wrote to ask that you please give our community the park space it so badly needs! Let's find a way to build an eco friendly, fun recreaƟonal and community space. Let's build a park where we can share our Ɵme together. Let's build a place where kids can enjoy playing. Let's build outdoor cooking spaces, cultural spaces (like an amphitheater? Art displays/installaƟons), and educaƟonal spaces.

Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park. let's build the next Central Park or Griffith Park ‐‐ IN WEST LA.

Give the kids of many generaƟons a park and memories they will cherish for their lifeƟmes and the lifeƟmes of their children as well.

The future can be brighter and someone has to lead to make it happen.

Thanks for your consideraƟon,
Sincerely,
Asa Greenberg
2315 Pier Ave.

Santa Monica CA 90405
⁣_
Asa Greenberg
Argonaut Pictures, LLC
[email protected]
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Vivian Rothstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11 to Award Contract for Airport Land Reuse

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete and Council, I am writing in support of Tuesday's 11 admin item to award a contract to Sasaki Associates to lead community outreach, visioning services and concept design for the future of the Santa Monica airport.

I feel strongly that the process for planning the future of the airport land should be open to all ideas, and not just solely focused on a park. The acreage is so vast that there is room to consider other uses as well. Community input is not meaningful if the community is not able to bring forward innovative and needed ideas for use of this massive property for other uses.

Sincerely and Happy Holidays,
Vivian Rothstein
Sunset Park
Thank you for your consideration..

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc: [email protected]; David White; Susan Cline; David Martin; Rick Valte; Amelia Feichtner; Jenny Rogers
Subject: FOSP: City Council 12/19 agenda item 11-A: Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
December 17, 2023
To: Mayor Brock and City Council members
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report:
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com//Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1385&MediaPosition =&ID=6091&CssClass=
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of  parks,
 public open spaces, and
 public recreational facilities; and the
 maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 (b) push the closure and conversion timeline beyond midnight on December 31, 2028, and (c) further delay public access to parkland that the city purchased with a park bond in 1926.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

Again, please direct city staff and Sasaki Associates to avoid triggering another ballot measure. 2) We also support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project, focused on a "Great Park."
As a reminder, the City of Santa Monica had a "Great Park" on what is now Airport land from 1927 to 1941. So the goal is actually "park restoration."
************************************************************************ From Michael Brodsky of Airport 2 Park:

April 1926 -- Santa Monica Passes Parks Bond - $860,000 for 168 acres passed by a 3 to 1 majority April 1927 -- Ground Breaking Ceremonies on Clover Park recreational facilities and Golf Course….

May 1928 -- Sunday Morning Outlook reported Clover Field Day was held on May 27, 1928:
“Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Pistol and Archery Ranges to Attract Recreation Seekers” "This is Clover Field Day. All the world is invited to inspect the beautiful clubhouse, greens and fairways and participate in the dedicatory ceremonies at Santa Monica's brand new payas-you-play golf course…Trap and pistol shooting and archery will claim their devotees, while a number of interesting tennis matches have been arranged….” *New Recreation uses included Playgrounds, Tennis courts, Playing Fields, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Archery Range. Shooting Range, Recreation Center, 18-Hole Golf Course, Picnic Grounds, Airfield
November 1928 -- Sunday Morning Outlook showcases the new Clover Field Park:
“The Brightest Jewel in Santa Monica’s Crown and that Clover Field Mecca for Lovers of All Sporting Pursuits Each Week-end”
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December 19, 2023
3 1931 -- Ralph Guldahl was one of the 10 youngest players ever win a PGA tournament, at the Santa Monica Open.

To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Ralph Guldahl
Ralph Guldahl won the 1937 and 1938 U.S. Opens as well as the 1939 Masters. (Photo: Associated Press) ITEM 11.A.

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4 Age: 19 years, 8 months, 3 days
Tournament: 1931 Santa Monica Open
About: When he won the 1931 Santa Monica Open, he was more than 3 months shy of his 20th birthday. Guldahl had 16 pro victories and entered the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981....He held his own and won three majors while competing against the likes of Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/lists/10-youngest-winners-in-pga-tour-history/ December 1941 -- The U.S Government took control of Clover Field Park and closed it to recreational use. This was the end of our "Greatest Park." 1945 -- The runway was moved from original location (where the Santa Monica Business Park is today) and relocated and expanded over the original Clover Field Park and golf course. 2014 -- Residents pass Measure LC -- “If all or part of the Airport land is permanently closed to aviation use, no new development of that land shall be allowed” -- The only exception would be the development of “parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities.” https://itsourland.org/measure-lc-vs-measure-d/

TODAY -- The loss of Clover Field Park in 1941 is the reason Santa Monica lacks adequate park space today. According to the L.A. County Parks Needs Assessment in 2016, we have a meager 1.4 acres of park space per 1,000 residents. This is the lowest amount of park space for any city of our size in California.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Steve Novak <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 1:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members --

In 2014 the residents of Santa Monica voted in favor of Measure LC to close the Santa Monica Airport and replace it with a park.

Please follow through on what we voted for at that time.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Steve Novak
Ocean Park

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
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December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Karen Heard <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 1:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
Please don’t subvert the will of your consƟtuents. We have consistently voted for a park on the airport land. There is no reason to open this land up for other uses. Please, let us have the park we have indicated numerous Ɵmes that we want.

Karen Heard
2030 Marine Street
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jennifer Field <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 1:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Please start asap the planning process to turn the airport to a park in 2028. There should be no other conversaƟon. The majority voters expressed their wishes. Please honor them.

Best,
Jennifer Field
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Cuff, Dana <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Airport process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete and Council, I am writing in support of Tuesday's #11 administrative item to award a contract to Sasaki Associates to lead community outreach, visioning services, and concept design for the future of the Santa Monica airport.

Also the process for planning the future of airport should be open to all ideas, and not just solely focused on a park. The park is essential, but so is affordable housing and both can be part of the airport’s reuse. The participatory process needs to consider all these and other options.

Thank you.

Dana Cuff
653 Raymond Ave, SM
SM resident for 40 years!
……………………………………………………………….

Dr. Dana Cuff
Director, cityLAB – UCLA
Professor, Architecture and Urban Design
Core Faculty, Urban Humanities Initiative
Rm B215‐Perloff Hall UCLA
Los Angeles, CA 90095‐1467
310‐794‐6125 office
310‐804‐0045 cell
……………………………………………………………………………..

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: John Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
As a resident of Santa Monica, I want the airport closed as scheduled and uƟlized as a Park as voted and agreed upon in 2014.

John Greene
(Resident of Sunset Park)
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:59 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; David White; David Martin; Douglas Sloan Subject: 12.19.23 City Council agenda item 11-A - Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
December 17, 2023
TO: City Council
FROM: The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (“SMCLC”) The future of the 187 open-space acres of formerly Clover Field Park (appropriated by the federal government for an airport in the 1940s) is one of the potentially most impactful land-use and development issues our City will ever face. Recognizing this, a decade ago the community mobilized to pass an initiative (LC) which requires our city to return this valuable public land to park and recreational uses, or should Council wish to upend the voter’s wishes, that a new public vote be taken.

Santa Monica voters have said what they want on airport land. We hope City Council will respect the results of that democratic process, even if some may disagree with the outcome. That is democracy.

Now it’s time to start the important planning process for restoring the site for park, recreational facilities, and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses as spelled out in LC.

SMCLC supports the retention of Sasaki Associates as well as the hiring of a principal design and planning manager to focus on the conversion of the site into a “Great Park.” We envision a planning process which involves the City and County of Los Angeles, whose residents live in close proximity to this site and who, like Santa Monica, also would benefit from a Great Park. We’re repeatedly told that Santa Monica has the least amount of park space for a city of our size in California and this disparity will only grow given the rapidly increasing density resulting from thousands of new multi-family units that are in the pipeline. Our City is already in need of additional open-space and parkland. Our coming population growth will require even more.

We look forward to the planning process and widespread community engagement.

Victor Fresco, Diana Gordon, Sherrill Kushner, Jeff Segal

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
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December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
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December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Will Guston <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 3:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11a

EXTERNAL
Dear council members,
Please begin immediately in the process of creaƟng the great park, and uphold the will of the voters. Yes, we know that this land is precious and there are many uses that it can be put to however, to create this great park will be a legacy that will affect the quality of life for generaƟons to come this is your opportunity to be truly visionary and expense in your thoughts and efforts to create a beƩer future for Santa, Monica and our neighbors.

With warmest regards,
Will Guston
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: John Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 4:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: City Council 12/19 agenda item 11-A

EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
I urge the Council to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land usages that would require a ballot measure. It's very clear to me and a majority of our citizenry that the people of Santa Monica voted for "no new development of the land" and that open Park space was the most popular option.

Our own Parks and Recreation Dept here is making a pretty good argument in favor of continuing with the wishes of the public.

Thank you for your consideration.

PS I support the position of Friends of Sunset Park because we are the neighborhood most impacted by the airport.

John Reynolds
Kavich Reynolds Productions
323-851-2490 or 213-598-2120 mobile best # to reach me. www.kavichreynolds.com
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2023 at 12:37:09 PM PST
Subject: City Council 12/19 agenda item 11-A

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: 12/15/2023 12:27:53 PM Pacific Standard Time
Subject: City Council 12/19 agenda item 11-A
December 15, 2023
To: Mayor Brock and City Council members
From: Zina Josephs
RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report:

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com//Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1385&Media Position=&ID=6091&CssClass=
1) I urge you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
3 ************************************************************************ From Michael Brodsky of Airport 2 Park:

April 1926
Santa Monica Passes Parks Bond - $860,000 for 168 acres passed by a 3 to 1 majority April 1927
Ground Breaking Ceremonies on Clover Park recreational facilities and Golf Course….

May 1928
Sunday Morning Outlook reported Clover Field Day was held on Sunday, May 27, 1928:
“Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Pistol and Archery Ranges to Attract Recreation Seekers” "This is Clover Field Day. All the world is invited to inspect the beautiful clubhouse, greens and fairways and participate in the dedicatory ceremonies at Santa Monica's brand new payas-you-play golf course…Trap and pistol shooting and archery will claim their devotees, while a number of interesting tennis matches have been arranged….” *New Recreation uses included Playgrounds, Tennis courts, Playing Fields, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Archery Range. Shooting Range, Recreation Center, 18-Hole Golf Course, Picnic Grounds, Airfield
November 1928
Sunday Morning Outlook showcases the new Clover Field Park:
“The Brightest Jewel in Santa Monica’s Crown and that Clover Field Mecca for Lovers of All Sporting Pursuits Each Week-end”

1931 -- Ralph Guldahl was one of the 10 youngest players to ever win a PGA tournament, at the Santa Monica Open.

To help protect your privacy,
Micro so ft Office prevented
auto matic downlo ad o f this
picture from the Internet.

Ralph Guldahl
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
4 Ralph Guldahl won the 1937 and 1938 U.S. Opens as well as the 1939 Masters. (Photo: Associated Press) Age: 19 years, 8 months, 3 days
Tournament: 1931 Santa Monica Open
About: When he won the 1931 Santa Monica Open, he was more than 3 months shy of his 20th birthday.

Guldahl had 16 pro victories and entered the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981....He held his own and won three majors while competing against the likes of Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson. https://golfweek.usatoday.com/lists/10-youngest-winners-in-pga-tour-history/ December 1941
The U.S Government took control of Clover Field Park and closed it to recreational use.

TODAY
The loss of Clover Field Park in 1941 is the reason Santa Monica lacks adequate park space today. According to the L.A. County Parks Needs Assessment in 2016, we have a meager 1.4 acres of park space per 1,000 residents. This is the lowest amount of park space for any city of our size in California.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Karen Blechman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 6:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Meeting 12/19/23 Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
The residents of Santa Monica have sought for decades to have Santa Monica Airport closed. We have also voted overwhelmingly to have it become a park, an area of green open space for all to enjoy. As our representatives, please respect those votes. This is a unique opportunity to provide open space for generations to come. Let's make the most of it by planning for the entire area to be a park and not fritter the opportunity away by planning other uses.

Thank you,
Karen Blechman
Santa Monica resident for 45 years.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 6:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please give the people what they voted for.

EXTERNAL
Please do not waste time and money exploring other possibilities. Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park.

Please direct Sasaki to create the park land bought and voted for in 1926 and 2014 as the great park it is meant to be.
thank you,
Roy Rico
Concerned home owner in vicinity. ,
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: ammar lughod <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 7:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock
On this upcoming Tuesday you have an opportunity to lead the council and the city into a new and long deserved future of public trust, You and the council can direct Sasaki to restore the park land bought and voted for in 1926 and 2014 as the great park it is meant to be.

You have dedicated decades in service to city on parks and arts commissions, in service of children, and with concern for the safety of the residents.You and the council can make a decision and deliver a gift that will be remembered for lifetimes.

Please do not waste time and money exploring all possibilities for the land. Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park.

Give the kids of many generations a park and memories they will cherish for their lifetimes and the lifetimes of their children as well.

The future can be brighter and someone has to lead to make it happen.

Thank you Phil and whoever walks with you from all of us, past and present, who made the time to vote, advocate, and believe dreams can come true.

Ammar Lughod
1769 bryn mawr ave.,
Santa Monica, Ca 90405
20 year Santa Monica resident and sunset park resident.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ben <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 11:36 PM
To: Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems Cc: Stelios Makrides; Amber Richane; David White
Subject: SMO: 12/19/2023 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 11a

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members:

Common Question:

Does the City of Santa Monica have money to pay for the future park at SMO? Answer:

The correct answer is: It depends what park you build and over what time period. The wrong answer is: "No".

Support:

The largest cost for a park is the cost of the land. Fortunately, the City bought the land already back in 1926 with a Park Bond.

The remaining primary costs are: (1) the cost to build the park, and (b) the cost to operate and maintain the park. These 2 costs categories depend on what is built.

City Staff provided 2 example parks in their Staff Report #5303 for the 1-24-23 City Council Meeting:
(Link to Staff
Report: https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=30&ID=40234) 1) Northerly Island Park in Chicago (page 20 of Staff Report):

Link to Park Overview: https://airport2park.org/portfolio-item/northerly-island-2 91 acres
Construction Cost: $9.7 million
Construction Cost Per Acre: $106 thousand per acre (calculated) Annual Operations Cost: $3.8 million
Annual Operations Cost Per Acre: $42 thousand per acre (calculated) ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 If Santa Monica builds a 187 acre park similar to Northerly, and apply similar per acre costs:

Construction Cost: $19.3 million
Annual Operations Cost: $7.8 million
2) Templhof Park in Berlin (page 20 of Staff Report):

Link to Park Overview: https://airport2park.org/portfolio-item/tempelhofer-park-2 750 acres
Construction Cost: $65 million
Construction Cost Per Acre: $86 thousand per acre (calculated) Annual Operations Cost: $21.2 million
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December 19, 2023
3 Operations Cost Per Acre: $28 thousand per acre (calculated) If Santa Monica builds a 187 acre park similar to Templhof, and apply similar per acre costs:

Construction Cost: $16.2 million
Annual Operations Cost: $5.3 million
Does the City have the money in this range to pay for a park like Northerly or Templhof? The existing city-owned public buildings and structures on the future Santa Monica park land currently earn about $20 million per year in lease revenues (page 2 of Staff Report). 95% of this lease revenue is NOT aviation related (per the Airport Property Management report during the SM Airport Commission) and could remain in the future park, consistent with LC without a ballot measure required.

As mentioned above, parks costs depend on what park is built and over what time period. However, these 2 case studies provided by Staff are very reasonable and appropriate examples to simulate. Please ask Staff to confirm these figures during the City Council meeting on 12-19-2023.

Note: While the SMO Airport Property totals 187 acres, much of it is already covered with buildings and structures. The runway and taxiways amount to only 60 acres of open land.

Thanks,
Ben
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: David Abramis <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 11:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Iris Souza
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council:

We are writing to ask that you do everything within your power to ensure that the new "airport park" becomes only a park. We do not wish to see businesses or housing in the new park ‐‐ no private enterprises and no housing. We feel strongly that the park should compete, for example, with New York City's Central Park or London's Hyde Park, as one of the best city parks in the world ‐‐ and perhaps even the best. We imagine it as a beautiful place for relaxation and play. Further, we don't expect a freebie ‐‐ as homeowners in Santa Monica we are prepared to help foot the bill for the park through our property taxes.

Please do not waste time and money exploring all the possibilities for this land. Give the people of Santa Monica what we voted for: A Great Park. Give the children of future generations a park and memories they will cherish for their lifetimes. The future can be brighter ‐‐ and someone has to lead to make it happen.

We are counting on you.

Thank you,
David Abramis & Iris Souza
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: D F <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 4:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A it’s about time

EXTERNAL
Let’s preserve one of the few remaining areas to serve the community that has paid the price for so many years.

The people of Santa Monica have spoken.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Comment for Item 11.a
From: Brittany Rogers <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 10:10 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Comment for Item 11.a

EXTERNAL
To City Council,
For Item 11.a regarding the Airport Conversion project, I support staff’s recommendation for Sasaki and the process for community engagement as described in the Staff Report. Further, I want Council to allow all voices to be heard in the open and inclusive process as described. The words “Great Park” and “consistent with Measure LC” are all we need to ensure the outcome of Sasaki’s work serves all Santa Monicans and does not stifle free speech.

Please don’t assume that anyone knows why a person voted for Measure LC, let’s use this process to find out what everyone in our community thinks the airport land should be used for now, and for many generations to come.

Thank you.

Best,
Brittany Rogers
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Item 11.a
From: I C <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 10:30 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 11.a

EXTERNAL
To City Council,

For Item 11.a about the Airport Conversion project, I support staff’s recommendation for Sasaki and the process for community engagement as described in the Staff Report. Further, I want Council to allow all voices to be heard in the open and inclusive process as described. The words “Great Park” and “consistent with Measure LC” are all we need to ensure the outcome of Sasaki’s work serves all Santa Monicans and does not stifle free speech.

Please don’t assume that anyone knows why a person voted for Measure LC, let’s use this process to find out what our community really thinks the airport land should be used for now, and for many generations.

Thank you.

Ingha Chopra
Santa Monica Resident
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: For Item 11.a
From: Nancy Chou <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 6:31 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: For Item 11.a

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,

For Item 11.a related to the Airport Conversion project, I support staff’s recommendation for Sasaki and the process for community engagement as described in the Staff Report. Further, I want Council to allow all voices to be heard in the open and inclusive process as described. The words “Great Park” and “consistent with Measure LC” are all we need to ensure the outcome of Sasaki’s work serves all Santa Monicans and does not stifle free speech.

Please don’t assume that anyone knows why a person voted for Measure LC. Let’s use this process to find out what our community really thinks the airport land should be used for now, and for many generations.

Thank you,
Nancy Chou
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Betsy Katz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A 12/19/2023

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I assume you all may have seen the letter from Alan Levenson to Mayor Brock. If not, I have pasted it below. I am writing to say that I concur wholly and wholeheartedly with everything in Alan’s letter.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Betsy Katz
3016 Ruskin Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310‐415‐0130
Dear Mayor Brock
On this upcoming Tuesday you have an opportunity to lead the council and the city into a new and long deserved future of public trust, You and the council can direct Sasaki to restore the park land bought and voted for in 1926 and 2014 as the great park it is meant to be.

Please do not waste time and money exploring all possibilities for the land. Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park.

Give the kids of many generations a park and memories they will cherish for their lifetimes and the lifetimes of their children as well.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 The future can be brighter and someone has to lead to make it happen.

Thank you Phil and whoever walks with you from all of us, past and present, who made the time to vote, advocate, and believe dreams can come true.

Alan Levenson
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Member,
As a Santa Monica resident for over 30 years I urge you to move forward with the planning of the airport park. Please do not be side tracked by special interest groups that do not represent the people in our community. When measure LC passed in 2014, special interest groups spent an enormous amount of money trying to stop it .

The measure succeeded in passing because Santa Monica residence want the airport land to become a much needed park.

Please move forward so that we can start working on the park immediately in 2029.

Thank you,
Megan FitzGerald
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: David Derognat <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: The Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council:

I am writing to express our collective interest in maintaining the operation of Santa Monica Airport (SMO) for aviation use for future generations. The decisions we make now will impact the sustainability and security of our community forever.

Santa Monica Airport has played a vital role in the community for over a century, serving as a vital hub for aviation, innovation, emergency services, flight training, and providing a gateway for businesses and visitors. The airport has been an integral part of the local economy, contributing significantly to national & international security, job creation, and tourism.

We firmly believe that the continuation of aviation activities at the Santa Monica Airport is essential for the following reasons:

1. Economic Contribution: SMO generates substantial economic benefits for Santa Monica and our local community, including job creation, revenue generation, and business development.

2. Emergency Services: The airport plays a critical role in supporting emergency services, providing quick and efficient air transportation for medical, disaster relief, and law enforcement operations.

3. STEM Education: SMO has been a valuable resource for flight training and aviation education, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the aviation industry, and should continue to serve as an inspiration for students preparing for the green economy jobs of the future.

4. Historical Significance: Santa Monica Airport has a rich aviation history and has been an integral part of the city's identity. Preserving its aviation use maintains this historical legacy.

5. Future Advancements in Aviation Technology: Quiet, sustainable aviation technologies & innovation are here and compatible with the local community's desire to keep noise & pollution levels low. Santa Monica should embrace the opportunity to lead the world in advancing the future of sustainable mobility.

Thank you for your service to our great city. Let’s keep the innovation spirit alive and thriving! Sincerely,
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 David Derognat
5 rue du Hameau, 64200 Biarritz, France
Tel : +33(0)782361345
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Vanessa Gibson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: The Future of the Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council:

The question before you should not be whether or not to close the Santa Monica Airport at the end of 2028. The question should be what can we do with the airport land to make it of maximum utility to our community and to fulfill the purpose, vision, and ideals of the City of Santa Monica.

This is why the city council voted earlier this year to hire a consultant to engage the community in a visioning exercise to determine the various potential concepts for what the future use of the airport site could be. There has been a movement promoting the concept of a great park, but we now recognize that such a proposal with no revenue drivers is unviable, and the park concept that some view as utopian is in fact unrealistic. The most likely outcome of a decision to close the airport and build a park would be decades of vacant, distressed land followed by commercial development leading to only more unwanted congestion. There is a better way. Let’s give Sasaki the latitude to explore a wide range of possibilities that will enhance our community.

The age of electric flight is upon us. By the time the Olympics come to the Los Angeles area in 2028, near-silent, emission-free electric airplanes will be routinely flying to and from Santa Monica Airport, offering residents and visitors inexpensive green transportation throughout the region. A large percentage of the 100,000 or so people who commute into Santa Monica each day in cars on our crowded streets will be able to save hours each week, all the while making our city much more livable. It would be a mistake to decide now to completely foreclose the possibility of aviation operations at the site of Santa Monica airport. By 2028, we and our fellow residents could very well enjoy the newfound benefits of clean aviation, and we’ll have the opportunity to explore what the green transportation hub of the future could be, inclusive community amenities like open space, recreational facilities, restaurants, and educational institutions.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 We firmly believe that the continuation of aviation activities at the Santa Monica Airport is essential for the following reasons:

1. Economic Contribution: SMO generates substantial economic benefits for Santa Monica and our local community, including job creation, revenue generation, and business development.

4. Historical Significance: Santa Monica Airport has a rich aviation history and has been an integral part of the city's identity. Preserving its aviation use maintains this historical legacy.

By working together, we can find balanced solutions that benefit the community while ensuring the continued operation of the airport for aviation purposes.

Thank you for your service to our great city. Let’s keep the innovation spirit alive and thriving! Sincerely,
Vanessa Gibson
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ingrid Mueller <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 12:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Ladies and Gentlemen:

May the remaining days in 2023 bring Great Joy into 2024 and many generations of THE GREAT PARK! IM a 35‐year tenant at Landmark Lincoln Place in Venice/LA, the mid‐century garden apartment complex at SMO's SW corner.

Yes, we protested the air and noise pollutions. We got Ted Lieu involved.

And attended SM City Council meetings.

Enuf is Enough N O W.

Please make sure and Vote that The Great Park's design will make LA and SM residents happy.

Happy Holidays and New Years!
Ingrid Mueller
1050 Doreen Place #3
Venice, CA 90201
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Rachel Kelley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 12:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; councilmtgitems
Subject: RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I stand with FOSP and urge you to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

The Friends of Sunset Park Board letter to the Council:

December 17, 2023
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of
 parks,
 public open spaces, and
 public recreational facilities; and the
 maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts, and education uses.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Rachel Kelley
2916 10th Street
SM 90405
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Mark Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 12:33 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Maintain assets - Don't Lose Control - No money for park and we all know this fact!

EXTERNAL
The Future of Santa Monica Airport - Request to Extend Aviation Use Beyond 2028 The Santa Monica Airport Association (SMAA) membership supports the continuous operation of the Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) for future generations. Decisions we make now will impact the sustainability and security of our community forever. Close this airport – an irreplaceable asset is gone, and special interests will control this land.

Santa Monica Airport has played a vital role for over a century as a hub for innovation, transportation, emergency services and flight training. The airport has been an integral part of the local economy, contributing significantly to regional and national security, job creation and tourism.

The continuation of aviation activities at SMO is essential for the following reasons:

1. Economic Contribution: KSMO generates substantial economic benefits for Santa Monica, including job creation, revenue generation, and business development. Transportation is vital for economic enterprise.

2. Emergency Services: KSMO is critical to support emergency services, providing quick and efficient air transportation for medical, disaster relief, and law enforcement operations. KSMO is a “Critical and Essential Facility.”

3. Flight Training for Pilots and FAA Controllers: KSMO is a world class incubator for the entire aviation industry. FAA controllers graduate from KSMO to KLAX and other larger airports. Several STEM accredited flight schools at the airport, train pilots to become skilled professionals in the aviation industry.

4. Historical Significance: Santa Monica Airport has over a 100 year aviation history and has been an integral part of the city's identity. KSMO has an undisputable safety record of zero off airport injury’s or fatalities.

5. Aviation Technology: Quiet, nonpolluting aviation technologies are here now.

Within eighteen months, electric aircraft will operate at KSMO, meeting the objectives of local neighborhoods desire to eliminate noise & pollution. Rapid ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 innovation in this sector will enable Santa Monica to showcase to the world, how pollution free aviation supports a local economy.

The SMAA welcomes the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and participate in discussions regarding the future of Santa Monica Airport. By working together, we can find balanced solutions that benefit the community and all stake holders. If this airport closes, we do not maintain “LC” local control, we “lose control,” and every local, state and financial special interest, will want a piece of this billion-dollar asset. Vital infrastructure is irreplaceable. An airport is federally protected land. Let’s keep it that way.

Thank you, SMAA Membership.

Mark Smith
[email protected]
310 213 0790
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Gavin Stokes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A

EXTERNAL
Dear city council members,
I oppose the closure of Santa Monica Airport, and the betrayal of public trust conveyed by the December 13 communicaƟon from TaƟ Simonian. The outreach program that will be managed by Sasaki Associates is supposed to gather the public's input about the future of the airport, which requires that all possibiliƟes be presented. Instead, this leƩer already tells us that the public will be led to believe that the airport must close. That renders any such outreach a sham.

Closing our own airport makes less sense now than ever, as unleaded gas has arrived, big jets are gone, electric planes are viable and on order for training and local flights, and the naƟon faces a crippling pilot shortage. Not only do people learn to become pilots at SM flight schools, but medivac and Angel Flight save people's lives with our airport. Hundreds of families bring children to SMO for free events held by volunteers, where they get to learn about and sit in real planes, meet pilots, and even go on free flights. There's an enƟre community of extremely generous people there who love to spend their Ɵme and money sharing the fun of aviaƟon with anyone who's interested. To enjoy this rare resource surrounded by a park... now THAT is what we should be planning. Why would you want to rob our children, your children, and all Santa Monicans of this irreplaceable resource? There are already sports fields and park area at the airport, so let's expand those. The city admiƩed long ago (during its "visioning" meeƟngs and before the current "budget crisis") that there is no money for a giant park. But, if you want to explore "creaƟve financing" opƟons, you should engage the aviaƟon community to co‐sponsor parkland development on the plenƟful non‐aviaƟon land at the airport. It is imperaƟve that Sasaki and other contractors be directed to include a funcƟoning airport AND parkland in the future possibiliƟes for SMO. Otherwise, you're wasƟng our money on a charade that will lack legiƟmacy and set Santa Monicans up for future misery, while destroying something we'll never get back.

Regards,
Gavin Stokes
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Airport2Park <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: Council Meeting 19-Dec-2023 - Agenda item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and City Council Members,
The board of the Santa Monica Airport2Park Foundation supports City Staff's selection of Sasaki Associates, Inc. to lead both the design and the revised outreach process, as described in the Staff Report.

As detailed in the staff report, the proposal mandates a public process that is expressly committed to moving forward with a plan centered around a Great Park consistent with Measure LC.

The board also supports Staff’s request for approving the position and classification changes necessary to dedicate a project lead for the Airport Conversion project as described in the “Funding and Staffing Recommendations” section of the report, and also the request to authorize budget changes as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section of the report.

Sincerely,
The Santa Monica Airport2Park Foundation Board:

Neil Carrey ‐ Chair
Michael Brodsky
John Fairweather
Frank Gruber
Cathy Larson
Mike Salazar
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Suzanne Cate <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock
Subject: Closing the Santa Monica Airport, 11-A on the agenda

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I have been following the issues concerning Santa Monica Airport for over 11 years, since I moved here from New York.

What I do not understand is the amount of money that has been spent to shuƩer this long standing, historical, and vital part of our community.

I have aƩended dinners, art sales, theater shows, soccer games and many varied events at this site. I have also just laid in the grass during the aŌernoon.

The closure is also unƟmely as we are having a naƟonal Pilot shortage—where are our pilots meant to train if not at airports? Also, I remember the city council specifically staƟng several years ago that there is no money for a new park.

Why build a new park when a park already exists?
What is the outcome the city council is looking for? Are we hoping developers come in and build McMansions or will it become a parking lot for homeless RVs—neither of which are welcomed. As I understand it, once the airport closes, LAX will be able to adjust the flight paths and large jets will have free rein over our skies. Does anyone want that? I urge the commiƩee to compromise going forward to keep the airport open while modifying the grounds for the beƩerment of all. I’d hate to lose a learning center for pilots and vital part of my community. Please choose wisely for all who live in the area and use the airport.

Thank you for your consideraƟon,
Suzanne Cate
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Stanley H Epstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:28 AM
To: Clerk Mailbox
Subject: Fwd: Action Alert- Item 11A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Denise and her staff. Kindly include the materials below in Public Input for Item 11 A tomorrow.

Thank you. Stan Epstein 310 393 7619
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:

From: Stanley H Epstein <[email protected]>
Date: December 18, 2023 at 11:23:55 AM PST
To: Phil Brock <[email protected]>, Lana Negrete <[email protected]>, Gleam Davis <[email protected]>, Oscar de la Torre <[email protected]>, Caroline Torosis <[email protected]>, Christine Parra <[email protected]>, Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>
Cc: Zina Josephs <[email protected]>, Alan Levenson <[email protected]>, Charles Blum <[email protected]>, Ben <[email protected]>, [email protected], David White <[email protected]>, Stelios Makrides <[email protected]>, Douglas Sloan <[email protected]>, [email protected], City Clerk <[email protected]>, "Dan Charn." <[email protected]>, Nancy Coleman <ncoleman@nancy‐ euclid.net>, Alissa Finerman <[email protected]>, Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>, PNA90404 <[email protected]>, [email protected] Subject: Fwd: Action Alert‐ Item 11A
Ladies and gentlemen:
it is hard to see why any rational Council member, in deciding the scope of the consulting agreement pursuant to Item 11 A tomorrow, should be at all influenced by ancient history details relating to the Airport, including who was the PGA champ almost a century ago. LC was always subject to change in the 14 years following 2014 by a favorable public vote to that effect instituted by Council or any other person or group.

My belief is that, between now and December 31, 2028, current and future Council members should carefully study and debate all uses from every relevant view and then make rational decisions. That process should start Tuesday eveningand there must finally be compliance with the Brown Act, which City Attorney Doug Sloan has continued to knowingly violate on other Airport issues.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Sincerely, Stan Epstein. 310 393 7619
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:

From: Friends of Sunset Park <[email protected]> Date: December 18, 2023 at 10:30:10 AM PST
To: Stan Epstein <[email protected]>
Subject: Action Alert!
Reply‐To: Friends of Sunset Park <[email protected]>

View this email in your browser
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Action Alert!
December 18, 2023
Support Airport to Park
Contact the City Council to focus on Airport to Park

Friends of Sunset Park urges you to contact the Santa Monica City Council to focus on transitioning Santa Monica Airport to parkland.

Please Email councilmembers with Item 11A in subject line:
[email protected]
[email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
3 The Friends of Sunset Park Board letter to the Council:

December 17, 2023
To: Mayor Brock and City Council members
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report: here
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of  parks,
 public open spaces, and
 public recreational facilities; and the
 maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts, and education uses.

Another ballot measure could:
(a) begin a renewed battle over the future of the Airport, possibly involving the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), which spent nearly $1 million in 2014 to defeat Measure LC, (b) push the closure and conversion timeline beyond midnight on December 31, 2028, and (c) further delay public access to parkland that the city purchased with a park bond in 1926.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

Again, please direct city staff and Sasaki Associates to avoid triggering another ballot ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
4 measure.
2) We also support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project, focused on a "Great Park." As a reminder, the City of Santa Monica had a "Great Park" on what is now Airport land from 1927 to 1941. So the goal is actually "park restoration."

If you haven't already, please sign the Airport to Park Petition, post it on your social media pages, and/or email it to your neighbors.

History of land that is currently Santa Monica Airport
Our thanks to Michael Brodsky of Airport 2 Park for the following history:

April 1926 - Santa Monica Passes Parks Bond - $860,000 for 168 acres passed by a 3 to 1 majority

April 1927 - Ground Breaking Ceremonies on Clover Park recreational facilities and Golf Course….

May 1928 - Sunday Morning Outlook reported Clover Field Day was held on May 27, 1928:
“Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Pistol and Archery Ranges to Attract Recreation Seekers” "This is Clover Field Day. All the world is invited to inspect the beautiful clubhouse, greens and fairways and participate in the dedicatory ceremonies at Santa Monica's brand new pay-as-you-play golf course…Trap and pistol shooting and archery will claim their devotees, while a number of interesting tennis matches have been arranged….” *New Recreation uses included Playgrounds, Tennis courts, Playing Fields, Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Archery Range. Shooting Range, Recreation Center, 18-Hole Golf Course, Picnic Grounds, Airfield
November 1928 - Sunday Morning Outlook showcases the new Clover Field Park:

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
5 “The Brightest Jewel in Santa Monica’s Crown and that Clover Field Mecca for Lovers of All Sporting Pursuits Each Week-end”
1931 - Ralph Guldahl was one of the 10 youngest players ever win a PGA tournament, at the Santa Monica Open.

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Ralph Guldahl won the 1937 and 1938 U.S. Opens as well as the 1939 Masters. (Photo:

Associated Press)
Age: 19 years, 8 months, 3 days
Tournament: 1931 Santa Monica Open
About: When he won the 1931 Santa Monica Open, he was more than 3 months shy of his ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
6 20th birthday. Guldahl had 16 pro victories and entered the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981....He held his own and won three majors while competing against the likes of Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson. For the full USA Today article click here.

December 1941 - The U.S Government took control of Clover Field Park and closed it to recreational use. This was the end of our "Greatest Park." 1945 - The runway was moved from original location (where the Santa Monica Business Park is today) and relocated and expanded over the original Clover Field Park and golf course.
2014 - Residents pass Measure LC -- “If all or part of the Airport land is permanently closed to aviation use, no new development of that land shall be allowed” - The only exception would be the development of “parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities.” Learn more
TODAY - The loss of Clover Field Park in 1941 is the reason Santa Monica lacks adequate park space today. According to the L.A. County Parks Needs Assessment in 2016, we have a meager 1.4 acres of park space per 1,000 residents. This is the lowest amount of park space for any city of our size in California.

Stay informed! – Join Friends of Sunset Park
Becoming a member is a great way to connect with neighbors.

Friends of Sunset Park is a city-recognized non-profit neighborhood organization working to improve the quality of life for all residents of Sunset Park and Santa Monica.

Please join us!
Visit our website to join or renew: www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org

Visit the Friends of Sunset Park Facebook Page
Get more information about issues that impact our neighborhood here.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
7 Add your voice to your neighborhood!
www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org
Copyright © 2023 Friends of Sunset Park, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you're a current or prospective member of FOSP Our mailing address is:

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PO Box 5823
Santa Monica, CA 90409-5823
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ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Tricia Crane <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 3:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; David White; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Douglas Sloan Subject: City Council 12/19/23 Agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Attachments: DoF Population Projections to inform direction to Sasaki on Airport.jpg

EXTERNAL
TO: Mayor Brock and City Council members
FROM: The Board of Northeast Neighbors
RE: Agenda item 11-A - Future of Santa Monica Airport - Council meeting of 12/19/2023 December 18, 2023
Dear Mayor Brock and City Council,
We write to share our recommendation of matters that should be discussed as direction is given to Sasaki Associates at the Council meeting of December 19th. (Agenda item 11-A).

First, Council should direct Sasaki Associates to be exclusively focused on the park and LCcompatible scenario and there should be no housing development in this plan. None. There is absolutely no need for it.

Santa Monica now has a fully approved Housing Element that provides for its entire 6th Cycle RHNA allocation of 8,895 units. We can anticipate a decline in Santa Monica’s unit numbers in the 7th Cycle given that the Southern California population is declining, according to the State. (See the Dept. of Finance chart below and attached.)
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Given the declining population – both current and projected - in California and especially in Southern California - there is absolutely no need for any additional housing suitable sites or development in the city of Santa Monica. The city has done more than its fair share of development.

Second, in parallel with the Sasaki work and in anticipation of the significant financing that will be needed to achieve this long-term vision for a park, the City must address and pursue in a parallel and public path, the matter of how this open space will be funded.

Thank you,
The Board of Northeast Neighbors
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: T GROSSMAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 3:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Hello Councilpersons,
I am in full support of FOSP message to you regarding the Airport to Park.

See below for any clarification you need.

Thank you,
Tina Grossman
SM Resident and voter
for 45 years
90405
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report: here
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Dan Halperin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 4:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Santa Monica Airport to Park Conversion - Supporting The Friends of Sunset Park Board's letter to the Council - 12/19/23 Agenda Item 11-A

EXTERNAL
To Whom It May Concern:

I'm a 30+ year resident of Santa Monica, and I wholeheartedly support the position letter submitted by The Friends of Sunset Park Board to the Santa Monica City Council, reprinted here below.

The Friends of Sunset Park Board letter to the Council:

Measure LC ballot language:

However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of  parks,
 public open spaces, and
 public recreational facilities; and the
 maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts, and education uses.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

Again, please direct city staff and Sasaki Associates to avoid triggering another ballot measure.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 2) We also support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project, focused on a "Great Park."
As a reminder, the City of Santa Monica had a "Great Park" on what is now Airport land from 1927 to 1941. So the goal is actually "park restoration."

Dan
Dan Halperin
310.749.6253
[email protected]
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Diane Reynolds
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 4:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; David White; Susan Cline; David Martin; Rick Valte; Amber Richane; Christopher Dishlip; Amelia Feichtner; Stelios Makrides; Diana Hernandez; Alejandra Villeda
Subject: 12-19-2023 City Council Agenda Item 11-A - Future of Santa Monica Airport Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Esteemed Councilmembers:

On December 11, 2023, the Airport Commission unanimously passed (5-0) the following motion regarding City Council Agenda Item 11-A, the Future of Santa Monica Airport:

The Airport Commission recommends that the City Council hire Sasaki for the public outreach process and next steps for conversion of the airport into a Great Park. We also support the addition of a Principal Design and Planning Manager focused full-time on the Airport Conversion Project.

With appreciation,
Diane Reynolds
Chair, Airport Commission
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ben <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Clerk Mailbox
Cc: Andrew Wilder; Diane Reynolds; Joe Pertel; Margaret Griffin; Geoffrey Neri; Stelios Makrides; Recreation and Arts Department; Airport Mailbox; Amber Richane; David White; Housing and Human Services Department; Santa Monica Airport Conversion Subject: Re: SMO: PETITION and PERSONAL COMMENTS -- SMCC Meeting 12-19-2023 -- Item 11A. Sasaki Direction and Guiding Principles
Attachments: SMO - Our Park Our Future - Petition Submission - 12182023.pdf

EXTERNAL
It might help if I included the PDF attachment. Here it is...

On Monday, December 18, 2023 at 04:56:50 PM PST, Ben <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor, City Council Members, and City Clerk:

Please include the attached PDF as Written Public Comment for the SMCC Meeting on 12-19-2023, Item 11A, Sasaki Direction and Guiding Principles.

The public comment includes over 360 authors and signatories who are respectfully submitting our petition entitled "Our Park, Our Future, The Local Community’s Statement and Requested Actions for the Airport to Park Conversion Project, November 7, 2023" with "Additional Personal Comments".

In the petition, we urge that "The City must not fund or start any development process that explores uses that are currently prohibited by Measure LC, nor should the City initiate a ballot measure to allow prohibited development on the land." Furthermore, we request clear direction be given to Sasaki Associates to "eliminate any direction that starts the development process that explores uses that are currently prohibited by Measure LC." Thank you for your efforts.

Sincerely,
Ben Wang
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Public Comments Submitted for:

Santa Monica City Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 5:30PM
Item 11A. Future of Santa Monica Airport
Sasaki Direction and Guiding Principles
_______________
360+
Authors and signatories respectfully
submit the following petition:

Our Park, Our Future!
The Local Community’s Statement and Requested Actions
for the Airport to Park Conversion Project
November 7, 2023
and
Additional Personal Comments
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Our Park, Our Future!
The Local Community’s Statement and Requested Actions
for the Airport to Park Conversion Project
November 7, 2023
Local Community’s Position
The City of Santa Monica must “take all actions necessary and proper to ensure that SMO will cease to operate as an airport and shall be closed to all aeronautical use forever effective as of midnight on December 31, 2028.” 1
The people voted and the City must “prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities, until the voters approve limits on the uses and development that may occur on the land.” 2 The City must not fund or start any development process that explores uses that are currently prohibited by Measure LC, nor should the City initiate a ballot measure to allow prohibited development on the land. Measure LC should not be manipulated to begin an illegal development process. 3 The City should focus on scenarios and concepts that are “centered around the idea of the site hosting a Great Park” 4 which include “parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities; and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.” 5 To do otherwise would demonstrate contempt for repeated and clear-cut election outcomes and democratic processes in the City of Santa Monica.

Requested Actions of City Council and Staff
We urge the Council and Staff to preserve and honor: (1) the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park, (2) the definitive 2014 Measure LC citywide vote that established Charter Amendment LC, and (3) the 2017 Consent Decree and 2017 City Council SMO Closure Resolution No. 11026 which ensures airport closure at midnight 12/31/2028. 5 Charter Amendment LC. See Exhibit D.
4 City of Santa Monica Request for Qualifications. See Exhibit C. 3 https://itsourland.org/lc-guarantees-no-new-development 2 2014 Ballot Measure LC. See Exhibit B.
1 City Council SMO Closure Resolution No. 11026. See Exhibit A.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Project Scope of Work Requests
We urge the City to explicitly direct Sasaki (the firm recommended by City Staff) to:

1. Focus on executing the vision and plan for a Great Park that is consistent with Measure LC and the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park.

2. Isolate and disclose any prohibited uses or development that may require prerequisite voter approval, before proceeding further with any prohibited development work, so its impacts are not hidden or blended among the alternative land use scenarios that are allowed.

3. Modify their RFQ and RFP submissions to eliminate any direction that starts the development process that explores uses that are currently prohibited by Measure LC. 6

4. Deliver at least one baseline concept for an Interim Park Plan with minimal changes, similar to Berlin’s “Templehof model” as suggested in Staff Report 5503. 7It should align with the airport closure date of midnight 12/31/2028, and soon after allow public use of the parkland, while incremental planning continues into the future.

5. Deliver a second baseline concept for a park that is financially self-funded and self-sustaining, which may use the existing annual $20 million non-aviation lease revenue.

6. Determine the revenue that can continue when the airport is closed, and deliver a concrete plan to immediately identify and apply for Federal, State, and Local Park Grants.

7. Identify any land adjacent to Airport land that is not protected by Measure LC. 8 — END —
8 Santa Monica Business Park and SMC Bundy Campus are not Airport land and are not protected by Charter Amendment LC. Public sources have reported on potential future development.

See the following links:
● https://therealdeal.com/la/2018/07/24/boston-properties-increases-purchase-price-on-santa-monica-business-park/ ● https://smmirror.com/2022/02/santa-monica-college-investigating-options-to-build-housing-for-poor-and-unhoused-students/ 7 Staff Report 5503 - Public Process to Determine the Future of Santa Monica Airport. See Exhibit F. 6 Sasaki RFQ Submission, March 13, 2023. See Exhibits E-1 and E-2.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/7/2023 10:00:19 Alice Ellis Start planning for the park we voted for! 11/7/2023 10:00:53 Alan Levenson We want a park with things that belong in a park, and not with things that don’t. 11/7/2023 14:46:38 Igor Meglic We all know we need this park more than anything else...please do the right thing, maybe not as much for us but for our kids and their kids too.

Thank you!
11/7/2023 14:47:50 Rebecca Nelson Greenery, a place to ride bicycles, water features, easy parking, and a street through the middle so that Walgrove/23rd st and Bunny don't get too congested (they already are). 11/7/2023 14:53:10 Jennifer Field In 2028 the airport must become a park. The will of the majority of Santa Monica residents who voted in Measure LC needs to be respected. NO HOUSING. NO AIRPORT. We need an asset that serves the entire community, not just a few. Keep the existing structures, like Barker Hangar, let the revenue they generate pay for the park. Anything else is unacceptable. 11/7/2023 14:55:01 theo swerissen I am fed up with the noise and pollution caused by the Santa Monica Airport (SMO). The unfair allocation of space for the airport is disrespectful. It is high time for the land occupied by SMO to be transformed into a public park. I sincerely hope that Santa Monica officials will not engage in another secretive deal behind closed doors, similar to what happened in the past. Our collective decision is to turn this space into a park, and that's what our vote stands for. 11/7/2023 14:58:24 Minda Johnstone We want and need a park. More open space to preserve everyone's quality of life and air quality, for now and years to come. Thank you.
11/7/2023 15:02:15 Robert Brown The 267 acres now occupied by SMO, belongs to the residents of Santa Monica. In 2014, voters OVERWHELMINGLY voted YES for Measure LC (and roundly rejected Aviation's Measure d) which changed the city charter to assure that the only Parks, Playing fields and Open Space would be permitted on the land after SMO closed unless the voters decided otherwise. The fight over the closure of SMO has been going on for DECADES. Santa Monica is desperate for more parks! Yes, it will be expensive but the city also takes in 20 million per year in non-aviation leases. Enough foot dragging and enough back room dealing. PLAN FOR THAT PARK! DESIGN THAT PARK! BUILD THAT PARK! This is a once in a century opportunity to create a space that can be enjoyed by EVERYONE... forever.
11/7/2023 15:05:04 Brian Kelly This is our opportunity to have Santa Monica’s own Central Park, something that future generations will undoubtedly be ever grateful that we did.
11/7/2023 15:09:23 William Fordes During the proposition battle, I walked and got signatures as a volunteer. I helped with the drafting of the proposition to convert the airport to a park. I believe in it as a future that SM cannot give up at this point, and the voters had their say and they said, overwhelmingly, “we want a park.” PLEASE adhere to the will of the voters.
11/7/2023 15:14:07 Justin Anderson The voters were clear: this land should be used for a park! This is what the land was originally purchased for and what it should be returned to once the noisy, filthy airport is finally closed. Please begin planning for this wonderful future park right away. 11/7/2023 15:23:48 Dirk van de Bunt Please turn the airport into a Great and “great” park, with playgrounds, walking trails, off leash parks, places for kids, places for bikes and skateboards, where they don’t intersect with walkers, and places for older folks, too. Provide lots of nature, lots of seating, keep the cars out, make it like a mini Central Park, where there’s something for everyone (museums, arts, places to play, places to connect with nature), and security! Dont forget security. Without that, it won’t get used. We look forward to enjoying it in our old age.
11/7/2023 15:26:55 Gail Gordon I am thrilled at the opportunity Santa Monica has to create a generational Park possible akin to New York or San Francisco, hopefully Mai rain the Flying museum, create other museums about this space and its relationship to the state and country.

I live next door to the airport, I was honestly concerned that the city would try to move against the will of its residents/constituents as has been done in the past. I am encouraged that we are finally being listened to instead of taken advantage of. Here’s to great things in our future. 11/7/2023 15:27:10 LYNN NOVATT Yes, I would like to see a Great Park, like Central Park in NY , except with views to the ocean! Santa Monica has become TOO overdeveloped in the last 20 years! Please STOP with the over building and create some green space for the society and citizens to enjoy. 11/7/2023 15:33:39 Steve Chinn
11/7/2023 15:33:51 Se Jong Ding A park in place of the SM Airport would be enjoyed by all residents for gnerations to come. These spaces will have lasting legacy that are otherwise impossible to obtain. 11/7/2023 15:42:52 Ellen Mark Dear Councilmembers,
The airport space should be available for a park and only a park after the airport closing. There will be available funds to maintain it. Thank you to those who are supportive! Sincerely,
Ellen Mark
11/7/2023 15:45:49 Victor Fresco We voted for a great park. Full stop. City Council must honor the voters mandate. 11/7/2023 15:48:55 Virginia Mastroianni Let the fat cats park their Gulfstreams in their own backyard. Airport Avenue is right behind my house. I have lived in my home for over 20 years. I resent the airport noise for my own peace of mind as well as my autistic son- now age 30. Give us the PARK only that we voted for. I voted from Santa Monica in 2014 to get rid of the airport. It's only "glamourous" for the people who fly. For the residents the noise is PURE HELL. Enough is enough.
11/7/2023 15:50:20 Joseph Lutz We need a park--put housing some other place.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/7/2023 15:54:26 Lisa Detamore This area has been my home for over 20 years and I am so excited that it will finally be a park. I would love for the park to continue the theme of the airport without planes taking off. I would also love to see a live music area and a walking path.
11/7/2023 15:55:48 Sean Meehan
11/7/2023 16:09:19 Stephen Manes Please don't alter the wishes of the voters. The airport land should become a park as planned and voted on and not new housing!!
11/7/2023 16:15:51 Phyllis Chavez The big park is what should be there. Let's get started. Thank you. 11/7/2023 16:17:58 David Konell The voters have spoken. SMO will be a park in 2028. Nothing else! 11/7/2023 16:23:47 Angelica Benavides Please honor the 2014 vote, which did not come easily passed… we want only a great big park as planned for decades… thank you.
11/7/2023 16:25:33 Chutney Li
11/7/2023 16:26:11 Karen Comegys-Wortz We voted for a park! It's your job to give it to us!!! 11/7/2023 16:37:27 Emi Onishi Hi, thanks for the great job you're doing. I've been looking forward to this park since the idea was first voted into place. With only 5 more years to go, I'm very excited as to what it could bring to the community. I hope you will continue to vote for things that support this amazing place-to-be. 11/7/2023 16:39:00 Patrick Davenport Dear Sir or Madam.

We voted for a Great Park to replace Santa Monica Airport so please follow through with this plan.

The westside has very little public park space and the Great Park would be a much better use of the space than additional housing. It's time.

Yours faithfully,
Patrick Davenport
11/7/2023 16:40:20 Stephen Mark I think once the airport land is remediated for toxins, it should be turned into a low maintenance, low cost woods, perhaps with walking and biking paths, whose main purpose would be carbon capture, but which would also act as a place for people to walk around as well as create a mini-wildlife habitat that might keep the Airport coyotes closer to their dens rather than hunting in the surrounding neighborhoods. Other uses would be possible as long as they were compatible with that central theme. Cars should be prohibited. I am, by the way, a supporter of adding housing to Santa Monica as long as it's done as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce, if not eliminate, auto traffic from the City. We have to house people. We have to clean the atmosphere. We can't allow those goals to compete.
11/7/2023 17:00:42 Sarah Lewis Respect what the voters voted for - a green space and park! 11/7/2023 17:20:28 Fabrizio Giorgi I want a park. We have plenty of houses and traffic. Let make it like the High line in NY. We can do this and we deserve this.
11/7/2023 17:30:08 Elin Katz Please do not advance the idea of housing on the future Great Park land! The park needs to be a large natural common space everyone can enjoy, with soccer fields, a community garden and recreational areas for kids and adults. We have waited too long for the dream to come true. Don't compromise it with housing no one asked for. High rise apartments are being built all over the city.

Leave our park alone.
11/7/2023 17:31:48 Suanne Ware-Diaz
11/7/2023 17:33:13 Roberto Schaefer make it a [park, shut down the airport completely 11/7/2023 17:40:37 Joseph Hardin First of all thanks for your hard work.

You should all know the History and Facts about the SMO property. Even though the plan for the Great Santa Monica Park has been delayed by The Great Depression and WWII, the Korean War, the War in Vietnam, Corporate Greed, etc...We now have the opportunity to fulfill a goal that was set almost one hundred years ago and reaffirmed in 2014 and 2017. We need the City Council to have the courage and wisdom to hire a design company that will follow the mandate of Measure LC.

There is plenty of other property in Santa Monica well suited for housing and commerce.

A Great Park is good for our physical environment and good for people's mental health.

We should set a goal to break ground for the new park on January 1st, 2029. The Empire State Building only took one year and eight months to complete including planning. We can plan and permit a Great Park in five years and one month.

We could also get a head start on some of the environmental clean up by immediately ending the sale and storage of leaded fuel at SMO. That is a win-win for a "Green City".

The question is: Will you, the City Council, do the will of the majority of citizens of Santa Monica and move forward on The Great Park as soon as possible?
Thanks for your time, Joe
11/7/2023 18:05:37 Eddy Winston We the people of Santa Monica want the Great Park! Please make it happen without delay! 11/7/2023 18:35:04 DOUGLAS JOHNSTONE Follow the vote.
11/7/2023 18:45:26 John Ventura I would like to voice my support for turning the SMO land to a park and nothing else. Maintenace paid for $20M per year from leasing Ex-airport land. Thank you 11/7/2023 20:04:03 justine lowe As 15 year residents of navy street, We strongly oppose any opposition by the city of santa monica to build anything other than a park at the Santa Monica airport. 11/7/2023 20:09:09 justine lowe As a 15 year residents of navy street, We strongly oppose any opposition by the city of Santa monica to build anything other than a park at the Santa Monica airport.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/7/2023 20:23:48 Richard Eagan Prioritize the health and well being of your fellow Santa Monica residents over short-sighted corporate greed.

Continue to be bold and think progressively for the future. Build the park with no housing. 11/7/2023 20:23:51 David Abramis We want a PARK -- ONLY a park -- not housing, and not for ANY reason. This is what we voted for and this is what the land should be. Parkland, and ONLY parkland. 11/7/2023 20:40:15 Dika Chartoff This park should feel like a great nature oasis, similar to Central Park in NYC. I would also love to see a museum for innovation for children and adults, dedicated to education about climate change and how we can prevent it. Artists from all over the world would exhibit their nature-inspired installations inside the great big park.
11/7/2023 21:59:06 Jan Simonovic Make a park with lots of trees and views to the Pacific 11/7/2023 22:11:14 Grace Gabe please build a beautiful park to replace the old airport. 11/7/2023 22:11:46 Aaron Levine
11/7/2023 22:13:18 Mark Abdou Please keep the airport land development to a park in accordance with the citizens’ vote. 11/7/2023 22:46:28 Charles Blum Never again will we ever have a chance to have a park for all future generations. This open land can be developed with the consideration of improving our carbon footprint, returning land for many people to use in to multiple ways, and have Santa Monica standout in an environmentally powerful way.
11/8/2023 4:01:54 David Goddard Please stop fuel sales. Begin the process to close the airport. This was previously call the starvation strategy. Please make it clear to the tenants that the airport will be closing in 2028. 11/8/2023 5:16:18 Elaine Miller It is time for the people to have a safe and healthy environment free from the devastating impact of aviation noise and air pollution. Stand up for the rights of the people!!!!! 11/8/2023 6:01:21 Steven Brady
11/8/2023 6:39:59 Simona Garon In 2014 we won a democratic vote on wanting a park when SM airport will close. I voted for that and I still want the same a park. No more housing!! Thanks!! 11/8/2023 7:47:12 Sandra Casillas I do not live in Santa Monica, I live two blocks east of Santa Monica Airport. I have been affected by the airport ever since I purchased my home in 1994. I can’t tell you how happy I am that the airport is going to be turned into a great park. I look forward to walking along in the green loveliness of it.

Thank you for doing with the citizens of Santa Monica voted for, and I hardly approve of, a great park.
11/8/2023 8:25:27 Lara Osment Please convert the airport into a park with a skate park, pump track ( like they did in inglewood recently ) Inglewood. Cafes, Theatres - a place for community and clear air. - DO NOT build more housing. We dont need housing. We didnt vote for housing. The city generates 20m a year from rental income, you have enough to build and manage the park. 11/8/2023 8:34:21 Laura Park PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP OVER DEVELOPING SANTA MONICA. Ocean Avenue is already ruined!!!! Please do what the voters of Santa Monica voted to do in 2014 and make the airport land a park, NOT HOUSING. Be heroes to the people of Santa Monica instead of greedy, money grabbing (from developers )non-caring drones. You were elected to make Santa Monica a better place, not the overcrowded urban nightmare it has become.

Thank you,
Laura Park
11/8/2023 8:48:18 Will Guston In 2014,The vast majority of Santa Monica voters approved a ballot measure to close the Santa Monica Airport and restore the land to create a park.

Honor the Will of the people, become visionary and create a great park that will provide a much needed haven for the people. The rental revenue from former airport buildings adjacent to the park will provide adequate funding to maintain the park.

Stop wasting time scheming with developers to turn the land into a housing development. Get busy planning how to create a great park for the people.

We the citizens, will be watching you.

Will Guston
11/8/2023 8:53:02 Sam McGarry please rewild the space.... we need more greenspace. 11/8/2023 8:57:47 Theresa Zupi Forster Make the park as promised. We don’t need any more buildings. Santa Monica is turning into The Projects
11/8/2023 9:12:25 Emily Dawe The airport land should be a park. That's all. That is what the original idea nearly 100 years ago was. That is what the voters of Santa Monica expressed in 2014. That is what makes the most sense to keep our community as wonderful a place to live as it is. 11/8/2023 9:14:44 Darlene vogel Dear city council , as you know , we need more parks and field space for our growing sports .

Soccer , pickleball , skatepark , anything else than housing . Traffic is unbearable , esp on Walgrove to Airport. We have enough housing .
11/8/2023 9:21:38 Christopher Park Please do not let the airport turn into more housing. This area is already so congested with traffic that it is getting difficult to cross the street. I don't bother even trying to drive after 3:00 in the afternoon. The downtown area has also become difficult to get around due to the development. I ride my bike everywhere and am happy to do so, but not everyone is as active as I am.The people of Santa Monica voted for a Park in 2014. We did not vote for the over development currently taking place due to the oversite and non functioning of previous councils. I have proudly lived here for 40 years because the city always seems to do what is right. Building more housing in an already super congested corridor with no natural outlets is irresponsible and does nothing but degrade the quality of living for all Santa Monica. The people wanted a Park! 11/8/2023 9:44:22 Pam Goodman Santa Monica voted for a park in 2014. We should not let developers overturn what the city wants.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/8/2023 9:52:31 Barry Friesen NO HOUSING or more business park buildings. surrounding streets can not handle existing traffic and definitely would not support more traffic. Park or open space as voted on by residents. 11/8/2023 10:17:57 Will von Bernuth Keep the airport land for a public park as the voters voted for in 2014's measure LC. 11/8/2023 10:24:13 Will von Bernuth Keep the airport for a public park as the voters voted for in 2014's Measure LC. Not for housing. 11/8/2023 10:46:16 Laurel Gallucci We would like more transparency concerning the future of the Santa Monica Airport. The voters vote for parkland in 2014. Is that what’s still happening?
11/8/2023 10:47:12 Ashley Wrobel Please protect what the voters chose in 2014 .. create a park and open space for Santa Monica.

And it is alot of acreage ... maybe a few houses or one condo project.. 11/8/2023 10:48:09 Ashley Wrobel BUT don't change the current agreed upon plan of the voters without VOTER approval. Let us keep at least Santa Monica a democracy
11/8/2023 10:59:25 Lisa Sandbank I voted for a park when I voted for measure LC because we need the recreational space and cool zones that a park provides. The city purchased this property on a park bond and when the airport ceases, the land needs to be reverted back to its rightful purpose. 11/8/2023 11:04:45 Karla Klarin Please stay with the planned use by turning the airport into a big, wonderful, beautiful park for all of us to enjoy! Let housing be built in the urban zones, we need this park! 11/8/2023 11:06:07 Traci Wallace Dear Members of the Council: It has been quite disappointing to see that voters' preferences regarding the airport land are being in any way dismissed or ignored by some on the council. I urge you ALL to please respect the wishes of your constituents and move forward with the park plans for the airport land, as approved many years ago. Thank you! 11/8/2023 11:18:43 Denise Bachman We want a great park - there is no excuse for a city that claims to be forward thinking in environmental concerns to delay a park. Trees, green space, playgrounds, easy access from the north side as well as the east and west. A Central Park, with lakes and museums and galleries and public spaces would be nice, but in my opinion the most important thing to do is create a forest of trees to clean our polluted air! We voted on this, the opinion of the people is clear, please stop listening to those groups that want to continue using it as a source of air pollutants in the form of internal combustion airplanes taking off and landing, instead of a remedy for them! Kindly act in the interests of the people you were elected to serve, not only the businesses with the biggest bank accounts who want to keep business as usual!
11/8/2023 12:04:22 Jennifer Harris My family and friends (we live adjacent to the West side of the airport) implore the City Council to abide by the SM voters' overwhelming wishes of converting the Airport land to Park space back in 2014. We did not vote to convert the 200 + acres to housing. We have very little communal park area vs. housing in this small city. The lottery is unnecessary - the voters have already spoken.

Fields, trees, hiking trails, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts (while ensuring they are ADA accessible) would benefit all of us who live in Santa Monica. Thank you 11/8/2023 12:34:56 Dave Rigs Please do what the voters like me voted for. Park only, recreation, or open space. 11/8/2023 12:57:25 Kenny Fields We voted for a park. It is you duty as elected officials to execute the will of the people. A great park will enhance the lives of all of those who live in Santa Monica and West LA. We see what is happening with the eruption of high density housing happening in DTSM and along corridors like Lincoln Bl and Santa Monica Bl. All of these new residents need open space. A great park is the answer on many levels
11/8/2023 13:00:30 Donna Jensen Please build a park as promised. This is what we voted for in 2014. We don’t need more housing in this area. We need more parks more green space. This is what the people voted for. Please honor their vote.
11/8/2023 14:07:32 Angela Rediger a park is what we negotiated and voted for, NOT development and houses. Santa Monica is WAY too densely packed already, and we NEED open spaces (as NYC has Central Park). Green, open areas, for public use, are ESSENTIAL for present, and future, generations. Stick with what the voters ACTUALLY voted for.
11/8/2023 14:10:20 Diane Maeder I urge the Council and Staff to preserve and honor of the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park, and the definitive 2014 Measure LC citywide vote that established Charter Amendment LC. Santa Monica needs a beautiful park not more unwanted housing! 11/8/2023 14:54:11 Katherine Reuter The airport land needs to be made into a park as we voted for in 2014! Locations for additional housing should come from the city areas that are zoned for housing already. 11/8/2023 15:28:17 Alexis Koren
11/8/2023 16:46:34 cheryl armon Park space contributes to everyone's health. 11/8/2023 17:00:42 Marisa Cox More green spaces for our children, for our community and for our earth! 11/8/2023 17:25:12 Wil Fluckey NO MORE DEVELOPMENT...this is our land and we WANT A PARK! 11/8/2023 17:57:17 Nancy Tyre We voted for a park when the airport closes. We need green. 11/8/2023 19:14:38 Susie Siverts We need more parks, not homes! 11/8/2023 20:31:10 Zachary Studin Please keep the promise of converting the land to park. Housing would upend the community and create a traffic nightmare.
11/8/2023 20:48:46 david galloway PARK
11/8/2023 22:54:38 Laurie Irwin This was voted to be a park not housing. 11/8/2023 23:28:47 Una Fox Please retain the promise to local residents to turn the Santa Monica airport in 2028 to a park are for all residents to enjoy. Not only is this beneficial to the community in terms of reducing more congestion in the area it will create a green area on the Westside of our city where we have almost zero green areas.
11/8/2023 23:29:17 Francesca Bress Santa Monica Airport must only become a park. No building of apartments or houses or such nonsense on it.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/9/2023 6:00:37 Lia Manzella I support keeping a park. Turn it into a beautiful botanical garden with a vegetable gardens that the community maintains with volunteers. Have you seen Arlington Garden Park? It’s a park botanical garden of volunteers with a place to sit and be at peace with nature. Check it out how there are volunteers always maintaining, because we have passion in our communities. Have you seen Huntington Park? You can always make monies if residents live outside a certain area like Huntington park or we all pay like parking passes in Santa Monica. There are plenty of ways to make monies, but no homes. Absolutely no homes!!! Keep a park for our future kids to have and save the planet with a botanical gardens and vegetables gardens. Santa Monica will be beautiful again. Charging to get into the park will keep it clean from homelessness. You will not regret turning the land into a park. Check out all the botanical gardens. And check out UCLA’s botanical gardens.

How unique birds come every season during the Spring. There are many beautiful stories with gardens that bring life to the communities. Many cannot afford to travel like myself to be with nature.

Save our park! Thank you kindly. For the future generations… children of our future. It’s greed if you take away the park. There are plenty of other areas for housing. Santa Monica will be a tourist spot again if you save the park! Thank you again for your full support! 11/9/2023 6:12:28 Janet G Heinle MAKE IT A PARK, you don't get to decide we do! 11/9/2023 7:36:49 Samantha McQuaid This land should only be used for Park and noting else. 11/9/2023 7:37:55 ann knight-schwartzman Our city needs more green spaces!! 11/9/2023 7:41:21 John Schwartzman Keep the airport as green space, no housing. 11/9/2023 7:56:31 Donna Speckman It is sad that the airport will be closed down, but voters chose to do that based on the promise that it would be replaced with a park ONLY. Anything less would be a criminal to do. No to developers and no to housing in that space. If promises regarding the airport space cannot be kept, then the residents have been lied to and the airport should be left alone until a new plan is decided by the voters!! I live nearby and will be impacted by all of this. 11/9/2023 7:59:22 Maia Sarmanian A park was approved in 2014 and is still approved in 2023 and 2028. We, the voters, have not changed our minds.
11/9/2023 8:07:17 Mary Sanders PLEASE no more construction!!!! The land itself is not safe for building anything. I’m sure the soil is highly toxic and polluted. I wish it could remain an airport. I think removing the airport is a fatal mistake.
11/9/2023 8:17:54 BECKY J HENRICKSEN We voted in 2014 , why overturn for greedy developers? 11/9/2023 8:18:11 Charles Hoo Santa Monica Airport should be developed into the park it was meant to be, not more housing and traffic.
11/9/2023 8:47:27 Luna Gooding NO housing on Santa Monica Airport land!! PLEASE - create a PARK!! 11/9/2023 8:48:44 Talia Brienza Build the park and stop prioritizing private interests / profit over people. 11/9/2023 8:52:30 Linda Linham
11/9/2023 9:46:54 Judie Wolf stop overbuilding! Fuel and noise pollution from the airport is ever present. This city needs more open space.
11/9/2023 9:59:56 Linda Smith Please ensure the park will be built when Santa Monica Airport closes. We do not need/want more commercial buildings, apartments nor traffic congestion. 11/9/2023 10:10:43 Tia Triplett Please build a park and not housing 11/9/2023 10:12:53 Gerardo Rodriguez The Santa Monica airport should be intended to be used as a park the way voters voted in 2014. 20 million dollars city gets every year from the airport is enough to fund and maintain the park. 11/9/2023 10:15:08 elaine As a Santa Monica resident , I do not want this Airport land going to any development other than a public park space residents can all enjoy!
11/9/2023 10:27:54 Gary Wolf
11/9/2023 10:56:08 Brian Juarez It amazes me how the city council continues to disregards the actual residents of Santa Monica and panders to developers. As a resident for over fifty years, I see the same shenanigans still happening, developers, train, open spaces...Chuck Allard is rolling in his grave. 11/9/2023 10:58:11 Scott This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create something wonderful for kids and families today and long into the future. Let's make it happen!
11/9/2023 11:05:15 Carl Fritjofsson Make this into a park. We need more green space, and trees. Not more housing. The whole city will salute you for generations for this.
11/9/2023 11:12:33 Elizabeth Oakes This issue was voted on by citizens of Santa Monica already, and the outcome supported by those in L.A. who live adjacent and are also impacted. Green, environmental, water-absorbing spaces are needed more than ever, and that is what voters want.
11/9/2023 11:22:42 Chris Leverich I want the Park to be created on the SM Airport land instead of new homes. I also hope the Museum of Flying can be preserved there.
11/9/2023 11:53:18 Mark Galanty Open space and trees are a far greater need with global warming, then structures. You can be a leader who created a great park, or you can be another greedy landlord. Central Park, Golden State Park, Yosemite, all are remembered for those who left us this asset. You can repurpose the public airport for a few lucky individuals, or the world. I say build for the world to use, and follow the 1928 plan, and what the voters asked to be placed there. As a UC Berkeley Economics major, you will never build housing to make a dent, but you can build one great park, and make Santa Monica a leader of Parks, Recreation, and Economic strength. But build for a few, and only those few benefit.

Do the right thing for the city future, not the topic of the day. 11/9/2023 12:01:17 Cat Buccellato We voted for a park = give us the park. 11/9/2023 12:06:27 Mary Becker Please support keeping the Santa Monica Airport conversion to only park. No housing. 11/9/2023 12:21:17 Daniel Seeff
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/9/2023 12:33:23 Jason Schutzbank We need a nice public park for our children and open space that's so rare in the city on this once in a lifetime opportunity with government land.
11/9/2023 12:33:57 Roberto V Vivo We deserve a PARK and nothing else! Please give our children a green space to thrive. This will have a tremendously positive impact today and for generations to come! We want a PARK. 11/9/2023 12:40:17 Joshua Strauss Please do everything possible to make this into a great park, like NYC's Central Park. It'll make a profound difference in the quality of life in Santa Monica for generations to come. Thank you 11/9/2023 12:49:24 Victoria Jensen The Santa Monica Airport land should be used exclusively for a great outdoor open area and park for the City and it's residents, not for the development of additional housing, including expensive single family residences. Thank you!
11/9/2023 12:55:06 Susie Lee Santa Monica is a beautiful city and we don’t need more traffic but we do need a place to run and play. Maybe we can even get an archery range
11/9/2023 13:08:32 Susan Raudry Please use the SMC airport land for it's voted and intended use in 2028: a park - thank you! 11/9/2023 13:23:17 Barry Day I want the park.
11/9/2023 13:23:42 Julie Schaeffer We need more green belts and less pollution. 11/9/2023 13:25:09 Nick Mehra We'd like to see the city of SM prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities that are focused on scenarios and concepts that are centered around the idea of the site hosting a Great Park which include parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities; and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.
11/9/2023 13:33:09 Claire Kislinger Please turn SM Airport into a park like we voted for. No housing!!! 11/9/2023 13:39:58 Jeffrey Newell
11/9/2023 13:50:09 Scott Parkin This community has suffered with noise and pollution from the airport for decades . We deserve a small amount of open space for people . Thank you
11/9/2023 14:16:23 Craig Galloway Have some balls and give us a park!! 11/9/2023 14:26:14 Suellen Mayfield Stop the bamboozle! As a sometimes-under-the-flight-path airport-adjacent citizen, I embraced the concept of a green space and community gathering area nearby and was delighted to learn that it democratically won approval from SantaMonicans. Don't let builders and contractors derail a hardfought-for project of benefit to all. Increased housing density is both a reasonable and important goal to relieve the housing shortage and lack of affordability in our area. But, as urban density increases due to considerable easing of building restrictions, what parkland infrastructure can residents depend on when all the land is gobbled up by real estate? 11/9/2023 14:51:18 Katrina Wassenaar While I am against shutting down the airport at all, the closure is now a reality. Therefore, it should 100% become a park (as the voters voted for) and not become a run on development. That would be a travesty. No to development of housing, retail, corporate... anything. Just a park. Period. 11/9/2023 15:05:55 James Plowden Close the airport and convert to a public park as originally purposed for 2028. 11/9/2023 15:22:49 taina franke The city already has too many people, let's give nature the space it deserves. Thank you 11/9/2023 15:58:21 Gail Kelch PLEASE do not build housing and retail after the airport closes, we want a park as was originally promised. Actually I would prefer the Santa Monica Airport remain an airport but without the larger planes that currently take off!
11/9/2023 16:00:15 Jim Kelch Do NOT use the closing of the airport for housing and retail, please give us the park that was originally promised for the future of our families! If at all possible, please keep the airport but for small planes only, I would prefer this!
11/9/2023 16:01:07 Kyle Miller I want the park.
11/9/2023 16:09:11 Jane Dempsey
11/9/2023 17:00:52 Krystina trzaskowski Please save our city 11/9/2023 17:27:50 Margaret Cheske I live just east of the airport and fully support it being a park and not more development. We need green space in this area- we have so little!
11/9/2023 18:22:10 Liz Fujimori Walgrove /23rd and Centinela are already jam packed with traffic. We don’t have the infrastructure for a bunch of condos or apartments. We were promised a park! 11/9/2023 18:26:16 Kylie Kamal We need parks not more houses and roads! 11/9/2023 18:30:04 Bernard Alfs
11/9/2023 18:45:50 Christina Brawner I would like to see the airport become a park perhaps a larger library, may be a health or youth center. Please not more housing and the traffic is already horrific. We need more open land. We don't need more traffic.
11/9/2023 18:45:59 Karen Jones I am not a resident of Santa Monica, but was grateful to obtain a yearly tag to take my dog to the airport dog park. We both loved it. Many, many nights we would walk around the recreational area and loved the peace and quiet. While housing is needed, we can't build on every open square foot.

It won't solve the problem. Our mental and spiritual health is as important as four walls and a roof.

We must preserve open space, for all our sake. Keep the airport as a park, for all to enjoy. 11/9/2023 18:56:39 William Greene Please make sure the airport is turned into a park- that is what we all voted for! Please do not vote for any property development, especially not CCSM, they were once my landlord and were terrible.

The worst landlord ever. I moved near the airport in 2012 and have been looking forward to a park for a long time. Santa Monica does parks very well, lean into that! 11/9/2023 19:34:21 Nataliya Efremova The new park - is a healthy future for our kids!!! 11/9/2023 20:15:32 Andrew
11/9/2023 20:16:11 Zoe Temple Park equity is crucially important in Los Angeles. Green spaces are beneficial for climate mitigation, mental health, physical health, and community cohesion. Make this land a park to protect our communities!
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/9/2023 20:16:37 Penny McNeil Please don't compromise the Santa Monica park, it should remain entirely park land. 11/9/2023 20:23:40 Debra Gavlak I believe it is essential to keep the integrity of a community. More development is not the answer to maintaining an integrity of community. Parks are integral for a healthy community. 11/9/2023 20:32:21 Jilla Sardashti Hear us loud and clear one more time! This property must be dedicated to the deserving residents as a great park for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Enough of exposing us to the poisonous jet fume for decades. Enough of catering to wealthy Westside residents who travel on private jets while the rest of us in the airport surrounding neighborhoods are subject to awful daily jet noise flying overhead . Be on the right side of the history or resign if you can’t support your real constituents. 11/9/2023 20:37:43 G Parcells Keep the Park as the people voted, or be voted out of office! 11/9/2023 20:41:06 Sandy Tucker Otero We have become a city that is overcrowded with new apartments and businesses. Traffic is blocks long and it takes a toll on those who live here. Personally, my family avoids going anywhere between 5 and 7:00 PM because of the blocks and blocks and blocks of stand still traffic.

We don’t want or need anymore apartments, our city wasn’t planned for the tremendous amount of traffic it creates. We could learn a thing or two from Orange County.

They have a Great Park in Huntington Beach, where people and their pets can gather, play sports, picnic, ride bikes, hike on trails, or listen to a musical group. Cafes would be nice, but NO homes or apartments. Orange County did an incredible job. Let’s follow their lead and create a beautiful area for our community.
11/9/2023 21:00:00 Maureen McGee I oppose the Great Park land for housing. The voters have spoken. 11/9/2023 21:00:45 Michael Stanley Please don’t put housing on the Santa Monica airport when it closes. Make it a big park. It could be the Central Park of the west coast.
11/9/2023 21:06:54 Peter Chao Please make the future SM Airport space a park. That’s what the original intention was and should be for this neighborhood.
11/9/2023 21:09:06 Kari Hanson Please make SM Airport into a grand park like the voters wanted in 2014, no housing! We need more park space for our future generations. Thank you!
11/9/2023 21:36:44 Barbara Manzi We voted for it. We deserve it! 11/9/2023 21:42:10 marilyn lipton Build a park No housing or commercial. 11/9/2023 22:02:39 Gary W. Murphy Santa Monica Airport should remain an airport with planned use of extraneous land. Smart multipurpose buildings should be part of that plan. I would question if a massive green park, while lovely in concept, is the correct choice for this space. I think it is not. 11/9/2023 22:24:11 Thea Piegdon Please turn this property into a park once the airport closes. No to housing! Thank you! 11/9/2023 22:40:36 Judy Ogren A great Park!!
11/9/2023 22:40:47 Lamont DuBose The Great Park should be at such an elevation to provide an ocean view.. 11/9/2023 22:50:04 Susan Alinsangan Can you imagine what New York City would be like if they didn’t set aside land and build Central Park 165 years ago in 1858? That was the legacy New York citizens left for the future.

Now imagine Santa Monica 165 years from now with our Great Park and what influence that will have in our society? We will NEVER have this chance at a park of this magnitude again. We should all take great care of how the future views our choices. Just like we should look back 97 years to 1926 when this exact parcel of land was purchased with a Parks Bond. One could argue that the original intent for this land was a park.

In 1926 residents voted to purchase this land under a Parks Bond, it passed and the land was bought. In 2014 your constituents voted for Measure LC and it passed. Why isn’t the voice of the voters being being heard? Why are we fighting to have our vote executed? Why is our vote valueless? Why are we a city of 91,000 who just do performative voting? Make this Great Park a reality. Now, and 165 years from now so our descendents will know how we voted and fought for them.
11/9/2023 23:08:14 Alex Popper PLEASE don't build more housing. Build a park! That's what we want and need. 11/10/2023 6:48:34 Cynthia Greif-Neill We need greenery to absorb carbon & add to quality of life in urban settings. 11/10/2023 7:09:20 Gabrielle Carr Park, no houses
11/10/2023 7:11:17 Isabelle Abbott Please use this land for a park. Or even a state park so that it can be gated and managed and not turned into a homeless encampment.
11/10/2023 7:59:25 julie peppard We NEED more park space. My understanding was that it was a given. If so, please don't behave like so many with power nowadays (governments, corporations) and instead follow through on what you promised.
11/10/2023 8:43:57 Jode Lebeda We have an opportunity to gift beautiful open space back to this city and its people to enjoy for, perhaps, centuries to come... Imagine the people enjoying the space, even when we're all long gone (and I'm only 38)! How incredible it must be to be in a position to make that kind of impact. Thank you!
11/10/2023 9:28:06 Quinn Spencer
11/10/2023 9:51:36 Melissa Labnow Please make that land a Great Park! It is important to have that kind of space in a community and something that everyone can benefit from as parks are free to anyone 11/10/2023 9:59:43 Ninel Dubrovich I think a park is the best idea because we don’t have parks in the area. Parks bring people together, like in a normal city
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/10/2023 10:21:34 Chloe Scott
11/10/2023 10:21:55 Morgan Harrington This is such a special place for families to go. Its the calm in the middle of the storm. This land is so special and needs to be protected from becoming just another place for housing. Do not build on it! 11/10/2023 10:32:02 alan russo voters voted to close the airport for a great park nothing. but a great park! 11/10/2023 10:49:59 Marysuniga
11/10/2023 12:46:50 Tim Hanson i spent a good part of my youth in St. Louis, MO, which is home to some of the best urban parks in the U.S. -- Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, Carondet Park, to name a few. Those parks are vital to the health and quality of life there, as The Great Park will be to Santa Monica and adjacent parts of LA. Please convert the SM Airport into a park for all to enjoy. 11/10/2023 12:55:16 daniel funk please respect the rights of the voters and make the sm airport into a park. do not build residential housing there.
11/10/2023 13:07:39 Elliott Derzaph I have lived in Santa Monica and now 3 blocks out of Santa Monica since 1974. My family does 95% of its activities and business in Santa Monica. The park would be the highest aspiration of its citizenry and improving the quality of life for all around. Thanks for listening. 11/10/2023 13:29:15 D. Gelfand
11/10/2023 13:43:06 Carol Royce-Wilder We need a big park - like NYC Central Park[ heart and soul of the city!!!! 11/10/2023 16:15:20 Sandra Fong I fully support turning Santa Monica Airport into a park! I have clocked the airplane decibels near the santa monica airport at 77 decibels for twenty minute intervals several times. I was unable to reach santa monica airport the several many times I've called and filed complaints. We deserve something beautiful for our community, for all to enjoy!
11/10/2023 16:58:28 Matthew Hausle Please do the responsible thing and protect residents desire for a Great Park and not permit developers to exploit the opportunity for profit.
11/10/2023 17:04:37 Mike Sage Please ensure this transforms into public parkland. 11/10/2023 17:06:46 Renee Gordon Let the whole area where the SM airport is be a park. 11/10/2023 19:09:18 Jordan Holler, MD As a dedicated home-owning family in Santa Monica and a surgeon deeply committed to serving our community, I implore you to uphold the voters' will regarding the transformation of the former airport.

The potential conversion of this space into a public park is not merely a matter of preference but a vital investment in the well-being of our residents.

A public park offers a myriad of benefits, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.

Increased access to green spaces promotes physical activity, mental well-being, and a sense of community cohesion. As a healthcare professional, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact such environments have on overall health.

By honoring the democratic process and respecting the desires of the community, we not only enhance our quality of life but also demonstrate a commitment to collaborative decision-making. I urge the City Board to prioritize the long-term health and happiness of Santa Monica residents by preserving the envisioned transformation of the former airport into a public park. 11/11/2023 6:27:38 Christine Thomas The city needs more Oakland! 11/11/2023 7:43:46 Erin Ferro
11/11/2023 10:30:12 Karen HEARD My opinion has not changed since 2014 when we voted to close the airport and plan a park, playing fields and open spaces. Please don’t let developers thwart the will of the people. It is your job to represent us, not them.
11/11/2023 12:16:49 Peter Spelman The voters decided in 2014 to make it a park. You have NO RIGHT -- NONE -- to override that decision and construct housing. While I agree we need housing, that particular space is for one thing and one thing only: A PARK. How much plainer can this be? Follow the law, follow the voters, and stop messing this up. We're watching, and elections come again soon. 11/11/2023 13:39:21 stefanie fletcher Please keep the plans for a park and more nature within this concrete jungle we live in. 11/11/2023 13:39:46 Andrea Ware This is a once in a lifetime chance for generations to come. Please be courageous and farsighted and do the right thing. The people deserve a grand and beautiful park! 11/11/2023 13:42:57 Antoaneta Angelova Please follow the plan that voters had chosen and build a park with trees and more space for walks and relaxation.
11/11/2023 14:01:35 Stacey Abrams-Sheri k LC is settled - a park is what the residents want!! 11/11/2023 15:18:00 Stephanie Tainsky We already fought this battle and expect the council to do what was decided - create a park!! 11/11/2023 15:30:39 George Ferrell I want the airport converted to park space--always have, always will. Santa Monica does not have enough park space. Compared to similar cities in California, Santa Monica is in the lowest quartile of park space per capita and per square mile. Developers are watering at the mouth to make a fortune from the airport land, and their servile SMRR stooges on the Council are slavishly ready to serve them.
11/11/2023 15:32:05 Ellen Levy Please honor our vote and complete The Great Park for Santa Monica! 11/11/2023 15:37:52 Arlene Vaillancourt taxpayers need a park where we feel safe to enjoy it with our families, no homeless encampments, no trash. A place where our children can explore safely. 11/11/2023 16:00:58 Georgea Muschel Yes please make the dream of SM Airport becoming a park once the airport is closed in 2028! We need more green space with all the pollution around us Thank you 11/11/2023 17:00:32 Catherine Butterfield
11/12/2023 6:46:53 Elin Katz Please continue unwavering support for the Great Park to replace SM Airport! NO housing. Just open space, soccer fields, recreation areas, community gardens- an enjoyable respite from city life, and an enlightened experience.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/12/2023 8:34:27 Nancy GOODSTEIN We are already a city that is about traffic. We need community and quality of life! 11/12/2023 13:05:43 Valerie Apple Please give the people what they voted for, this bait and switch is totally insane and shameful. The only structures allowed on this land should be community centers or recreational facilities. Parks and green spaces are the lungs of our city.
11/12/2023 13:35:00 Flavia Baptista Park park park !!
11/12/2023 14:18:54 Gitu Mehra We'd like to see the city of SM prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities that are focused on scenarios and concepts that are centered around the idea of the site hosting a Great Park which include parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities; and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.
11/12/2023 19:29:56 Ben Stewart The neighborhood could really use a Great Park. This would be a boon to all west siders and provide valuable greenspace…something that is beneficial to the environment and lacking in our area. Please make this into a park…our kids and their kids will thank us many times over. 11/13/2023 11:59:43 Arlen Heginbotham I support turning SMO into a park and not a real estate development. 11/13/2023 16:55:25 Peter Thorson Dear Councilmembers, the airport property needs to be a great park only. No residential housing, no commercial or mixed use retail, a park only. That is what the voters decided.

Thank you,
Peter
11/13/2023 23:11:04 Mitch Dorf I live on 32nd just off Ocean Park. To create a city defining open space park that would be our center piece the world would recognize would be a dream come true. 11/14/2023 11:31:08 Solco Schuit Please, our kids need more green spaces - this is an amazing opportunity! 11/15/2023 8:38:24 Jean Booth Everyone needs some nature in their lives and nature needs some space. 11/15/2023 20:02:44 Wendy Hernandez I want a park and nothing more. No buildings park only. 11/16/2023 21:01:15 Joan Wilder Santa Monica needs more green space, a place to hang out and relax. Picnic benches, tennis courts, basketball court, etc. would all be wonderful!
11/18/2023 11:19:11 Kent Sayama We don’t want an airport here anymore and I am will to vote for someone who feels the same way 11/19/2023 9:03:02 DEnnis Steiger Close the airport at the end of 2028 and create the Great Park. No other developments. 11/19/2023 15:22:32 Barbara Manzi We voted for it. We deserve it! 11/22/2023 5:34:53 Ann Lewis Please preserve and act on (1) the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park, (2) the definitive 2014 Measure LC citywide vote that established Charter Amendment LC, and (3) the 2017 Consent Decree and 2017 City Council SMO Closure Resolution No. 11026 which ensures airport closure at midnight 12/31/2028.
11/22/2023 9:24:50 Sharon Croskery The people wanted a park. The people voted for a park. They voted two times. So do not go back and give us a park. Thank you, Sharon
11/24/2023 9:02:08 Patricia Papanek NO MORE HOUSES! We need parks. 11/25/2023 7:13:49 Lori Petitti Please build another outdoor pool at the park! SMC is getting so crowded! Thank you. 11/25/2023 7:25:58 Stacey Abram’s-Sherick We need more green space, not more density… 11/25/2023 7:26:31 Jack Sherick
11/25/2023 7:27:03 Robert Sherick
11/25/2023 9:51:21 Lorri Benson We voted to make the airport a park and recreational area. We DO NOT want more congestion. We DO NOT want more pollution. We DO NOT want it to be developed in the way so much of Santa Monica has been developed- overcrowding, increased traffic, more crime, more problems. You have been voted into office to protect the wishes of the people, not the developers and others wishing to make money at the expense of those of us who live here. If you need to make money on this land, develop a recreational program with some opportunity to charge for use. Please honor the wishes of the taxpayers and stop entertaining ideas of building housing, keeping the airport or anything other than what we voted for- parks and recreation.
11/25/2023 13:29:12 Kathryn Cerabona My vote as a local in Sunset Park is for a great park 11/25/2023 18:08:02 Nancy Owens We were promised a park! We want a park. 11/26/2023 8:49:04 Ronald Joyal The vote to make the airport a park has already been decided. Please stick with the plan. 11/27/2023 0:26:24 Polly Badt please make sure that the SM Airport becomes a park. Parks on the westside are in dire need as land has and is being quickly taken up by building.
11/27/2023 6:44:22 Janet L. Guyette We were promised a park; we want the promise honored. 11/27/2023 7:28:59 Nora Foran Please keep it a beautiful park!! We’re so excited!! 11/27/2023 8:11:06 Nicola Edwards It is not your right to consider your own views over and above the decision of the majority of residents .
11/27/2023 11:07:35 Charleen Smith It's time for the City Council to stand up and honor what the voter's want. 11/28/2023 14:08:15 Kurt Larsen Please stick with the planned park on the Santa Monica airport property. The surrounding neighborhood streets, especially 21st and 23rd streets, are already clogged with pass-through traffic every weekday evening from 4:00 - 7:00pm. Additional housing on the airport property would turn our neighborhood into a congested commuter quagmire that would ruin our property values with traffic, air, and the very noise pollution we voted to eliminate by closing the airport. Please give us all the beautiful park we voted for!
11/28/2023 15:44:01 Juan Palomares The people of Santa Monica voted and approved this issue. Why is it coming back? Who's palms are being greased?
11/28/2023 18:13:18 Sam Guyette
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
11/29/2023 12:32:34 Becky Turk Do not allow the airport to be anything but a park. No new housing. Keep this small piece of Santa Monica open and free.
11/29/2023 12:49:18 David Lindner Park it or lose your seats. Defying the will of the people is perilous within a democracy. 11/29/2023 13:59:18 Christine Thomas
11/29/2023 14:01:52 Susan Kucera I support turning the Santa Monica airport into a park 11/29/2023 14:05:06 Alon Benyaminy We voted to close the airport and turn it into a park and we want the park! 11/29/2023 23:39:18 Janie Lee Docter Please convert all of the Airport as a park as noted by the residents. We can have our own haven similar concept as Central Park.
12/1/2023 9:03:10 D. Payne It's time for politicians, not just city but country wide, to start listening to the voting public and follow through with what the voting public wants, not what pads the politicians pockets. How many commercial units are empty at this time in Santa Monica? Think high speed rail. 12/2/2023 7:51:02 Jeannine Oppewall Why replace the traffic hazards of an airport with even the greater hazards of on the ground congestion?
12/2/2023 8:35:02 Nicola Scott We voted for a park. That’s what we need and should have. 12/2/2023 8:58:20 Sam McGarry We need more green space. 12/2/2023 9:38:30 Ari Nadelman The only reason I voted to shut down the Santa Monica Airport was to convert it to a park. Not condos, not single family residences, not apartment buildings, not offices or commercial space.

Park. Open space park land. Non-traffic generating, open park space. Otherwise, let's just keep it as the Airport it is now. You had my vote for a park. Nothing else. 12/2/2023 9:45:23 Megan FitzGerald This is what we voted for, this is what the city wants! 12/2/2023 11:27:30 Margaret Rubin A park is what Santa Monica needs! 12/2/2023 11:47:31 Susan Vandebunt The airport should be used as a wonderful park space that could be used for recreation, festivals, concerts, etc.
12/2/2023 15:49:05 Kurt Gary Make the airport into a park. 12/2/2023 19:47:51 Anita Famili Close the airport and make it a great park! 12/2/2023 20:43:16 Lisa johansson Please, if at all feasible, make at least part if the airport a public park. 12/3/2023 12:44:23 Allan Goldrath` We want a park!
12/4/2023 13:05:28 Tina Stick to the voters' understanding that a great park will be replacing the airport. We voted for a great park. We expect a great park. The people living in dense housing developed in SM and surrounding areas must have recreation and open space.A great park will be significant for them and anyone without immediate access to outdoor space. Furthermore, long distance migrating wild birds need a place for resting on their journey north and south. Santa Monica is in a direct migration pathway. Our city must provide suitable habitat given all the buildings here that don't. A world without birds is a world consumed by insects. It is in our best interest to provide bird habitat. Our city should be partnering with the US fish and Wildlife Service's urban bird treaty program. https://www.fws. gov/story/2023-08/2023-urban-bird-treaty-program-funds-community-based-projects-2023 This should be part of our plan for the park.
12/4/2023 13:17:49 Alison Megliola I voted to close the airport so that we can build a beautiful park that all the residents can enjoy. I've been a SM resident for 10 years now, moving from New York City. I thought moving here would mean more greenery and outdoor spaces, but that's not true. This community needs a "Central Park." Santa Monica residents deserve a "Central Park." One with lots of trees for shade, walking/running paths, playgrounds, and areas for cultural activities and recreation. 12/4/2023 19:23:55 Pamela Nabel What our city needs more of are community spaces. We want a park! 12/5/2023 9:20:42 Meaghan Ryan Residents voted for the airport to be converted to a park. I expect you to honor that vote and only install a park. Anything else would be fraud and deception on the part of the city council. 12/6/2023 10:54:54 Brent Cohen The people of Santa Monica have consistently voted for and supported turning the airport into a park and valued community space. We expect our elected officials to do the same. 12/7/2023 16:18:43 Adrian Harewood Your constituency wants this, please get it done! Thank you. 12/8/2023 14:55:04 Alex Novakovich We need more open space in Santa Monica. We voted to make airport land a park. This is the only option the city should be considering.
12/9/2023 7:16:08 Jesus Gonzalez
12/9/2023 7:27:10 Karen Pinto Get out of the developers' pockets and do the right thing. 12/9/2023 7:52:00 Arthur Kummer Please build a great park with the whole airport property. 12/9/2023 9:06:09 John Machtinger Dear Council, please respect the vote of the citizens, and do not develop the airport land into anything other than a park or other non-commercial use. 12/9/2023 9:12:05 John 7/8/2147 0:00:00
12/9/2023 9:56:59 Larry Birstock
12/9/2023 10:25:02 Lisa Test Would love to have open space...clean. safe. No homeless 12/9/2023 11:18:58 Diane Sabatini Please remain committed to transforming the airport to a park as my fellow residents and I voted for in 2014!
12/9/2023 11:29:46 Denise Bachman We voted for a great park and that is what we expect to get. Do not let the special interest groups who want to keep an airport there sway you from your duty to enact the clearly expressed opinions of the people living in the neighborhood !
12/9/2023 11:53:12 Ellen Levy Santa Monica needs a big park. Some many people enjoy Clover Park; it would be wonderful to expand it big time!
Thank you,
Ellen
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
12/9/2023 13:43:27 Marilyn Harris Respect what the voters want! Please DO NOT approve more housing for any part of this property!!! More importantly, I’m also concerned about not having small aircraft availability to land during an emergency crisis once the airport is removed. 12/9/2023 16:05:19 Nathan Tippe Excited for the park, as voted in 2014 12/9/2023 18:16:58 Ann Bowman Please honor this land's origin as a park funded and built with a parks bond. It was not originally an airport. Let's restore this park together! THANKS!!
12/9/2023 20:19:18 Aray Kadish
Make it a park
12/11/2023 9:57:28 Tregg Rustad I live in Sunset Park and voted for the airport to be closed and turned into a park. This is what all of us that voted for expects. Please do what the voters want...make it a park, and only a park. 12/11/2023 11:20:56 Warren Allen We voted for PARKLAND - not more housing. Please honor that. 12/11/2023 22:08:51 Fred Kipperman We have a generational opportunity here to make Santa Monica the best city in California--let's leverage the green space into wellbeing, sustainability, and an example for cities throughout the world.
12/14/2023 16:24:06 Alvin Crown Please prioritize OPEN PARK SPACE. Not housing developments. Not commercial development.

NO JETS.
12/14/2023 16:37:43 Eric
12/14/2023 16:43:00 Chloe Scott we want a park not more jets! 12/14/2023 16:44:23 Janet G Heinle Park
12/14/2023 16:53:26 Alexis Koren
12/14/2023 16:54:04 Jeannine Oppewall I'd rather keep the airport than turn the area into condos, shopping, offices, etc. The traffic from those kinds of development would render the area unmanageable. No one will be able to move around. The traffic now is unbearable. It can take up to 20 minutes just to get out of Dewey St. onto Walgrove.
12/14/2023 17:04:13 Josh Newman Please keep the focus on the development of an internationally recognized park space. 12/14/2023 17:28:58 Michael Pellettieri For those of us on the LA end of the airport, we get all of the negative impacts but have no vote in the matter. Please make the park a reality!
12/14/2023 17:29:51 Igor Meglic Let's make this park for our kids sake...Please vote for the park and only the park. Thank you! 12/14/2023 18:05:08 john londono a park instead of an airport is the only way to go! 12/14/2023 18:08:13 Melanie Merians The people of Santa Monica already voted, and you were voted in on a promise, to completely halt operations of the airport in Santa Monica and turn the current airport land into a park. Why is this even being discussed again? It's outrageous that a greedy few could possibly derail what has already been voted upon and approved!
12/14/2023 18:53:20 Simona Garon Dear Council Members
I am writing to express my opinion as Santa Monica resident to please keep it simple and focus on a park developed by Sasaki firm. Focus on the park already voted for twice by Santa Monica residents, both past and present. Any uses not specified in LC will require another ballot measure.

We voted in 2014 to close the airport to finally build the park. Let's get to it! Thanks! 12/14/2023 19:21:56 Sujata Bhatt Please move forward with park planning. 12/14/2023 19:46:23 E Arias Keep the promise as outlined in Measure LC. Change out the damn asphalt for a GREEN PARK. 12/14/2023 20:06:12 Margi Cheske I urge the City Council to move ahead and begin planning the Great Park that was voted on and overwhelmingly approved. This is a moment in Santa Monica (and LA) history that will be remembered for generations.
12/14/2023 20:28:58 Howard Wolfe On border of SM use of airport affects me, would like the park. 12/14/2023 21:14:38 Betsy Katz Per Measure LC passed in 2014, the airport is scheduled to close in 2028 and be replaced by the Great Park. I urge you to direct Sasaki to focus on a plan for a park only—not housing or any other non-park uses. We’ve waited a long time for this. Thank you. 12/14/2023 23:12:26 David Abramis Focus on the park already voted for twice by Santa Monica residents, both past and present. No commercial business. All *park*.
12/15/2023 1:47:18 Joe Schmitz The Airport is dangerous! Aviation safety is compromised and hidden from residents, senior City officials, and City Council members. This is a matter of record.

The noise harms residents' health. Conclusive scientific evidence from the EU over the past decades demonstrates increased mortality and morbidity CAUSED by aviation noise well below thresholds deemed safe by "our" FAA.

Damage from ultra fine air particulates from the Airport CAUSES increased death and disability.

Microscopic microscopic lead particles CAUSE OUR CHILDREN brain damage - both IQ and lack of impulse control.

As long as ANY part of the Airport 227 acres is used for aviation / drones, we will be subject to FAA control and the unending multimillion lawsuits that have plagued the City for half a century. 12/15/2023 4:04:53 Lisa Detamore Please keep it simple and keep it to what we voted for. I remember getting harassed when we voted last time by people who didn’t live in SM telling lies to get us to vote for the airport. That is not in the best interest of the long standing citizens that voted to get rid of the airport. 12/15/2023 10:03:56 Randall Klarin Support the people, support health, and support the environment.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
12/15/2023 10:21:26 Stephan Hewitt Please focus upon getting the park for Santa Monica that the residents have already voted for TWICE. Thank you.
12/15/2023 11:55:48 Patrick Seeholzer Get the park planned and built please!!!!! 12/15/2023 19:08:41 Jom David We want green open space! Walking trails. Trees. A SM “Central Park” /“Golden Gate” Check out Berlin. Tempelhofer Feld—- NO apartments or businesses! No DEVelopment.

GREEN OPEN SPACE.
12/15/2023 20:38:13 Christine Hardin Please respect Measure LC and move forward with plans for the Great Park. 12/15/2023 20:38:58 Laura Kaiser Stop the madness! Return the loaned land to park land in 2028. 12/16/2023 7:14:40 David Gilmore I want the airport property used only as a public park. 12/16/2023 7:29:13 Tamra Raven Park! No more market rate housing. Please stop overdeveloping. 12/16/2023 7:49:06 Robert Kersey Voted for closing in belief the land would be converted to a park - all the land. 12/16/2023 7:58:39 Catherine Lerer
12/16/2023 8:04:19 Lori Petitti Please convert the airport to a park for the residents of Santa Monica! Thank you 12/16/2023 8:17:47 Joe Pertel Please move forward on plans to close the airport and replace it with a Great Park as originally intended by the residents in 1926 when bond funds were used to create a park. 12/16/2023 8:17:47 Steve Chinn A grand park would make SM one of the best cities for living 12/16/2023 9:55:25 Tim Lynch We live by SM airport. It’s time to do what we’ve lobbied for and voted for. Make it a green space NOT housing.
12/16/2023 10:14:54 Jorge Pardo WE VOTED FOR A OPEN SPACE/PARK! 12/16/2023 10:36:58 Reid Thompson The damage of jet fuel spreading across our fair city from this anachronistic air field must sunset like the internal combustion engine. Private jet travel damages the environment and is only for the rich.

Close down this airport as has been promised. Dirty carbon from plane takeoffs lands in the backyards where our children play. Finish what was promised. More public parks less private air travel.
12/16/2023 10:55:17 Eileen Tunick WE have been fighting this endless battle for the 44 years, I've owned a home on Santa Monica! When will we get the park we voted for??
12/16/2023 12:08:47 Cheryl Armon We need more open space. 12/16/2023 12:42:01 Denise Bachman Stop trying to subvert the expressly stated wishes of your constituents to push through the agendas of special interests who want to continue making money building anything other than the great park on the airport lands. We voted. You KNOW the wishes of the residents of Santa Monica is for a real great park like Golden Gate in SF or Central Park in New York. Let's be the forward moving environmentally responsible city we claim to be and plant trees and make a natural environment out of a concrete desert. Do the right thing!!!!
12/16/2023 13:50:18 Karla Klarin Please close the airport, the jets and prop planes fly right over our house. Enough! We need a park!!! Thank you
12/16/2023 15:00:54 Frans Klinkenberg Please please stick to our wishes as indicated 12/16/2023 16:51:46 Kari Hanson Please do not delay! Turn the airport into a Great Park! Not housing, offices, businesses, etc.! We voted and we should have our park! For us and the future generations! Thank you!!!
12/16/2023 18:54:34 Joanne Cohen Please close the airport and build the park, stop looking at other options 12/16/2023 22:34:57 Mark Schubb We voted for a park. The city should NOT be conducting any planning process or "exploration" of developing the site for additional housing or commercial use. 12/16/2023 23:45:07 Eileen Tunick As a 44 year Santa Monica homeowner and prior to that renter in Santa Monica, I am still waiting to get our park and not a commercial development and/or giant apartment buildings. We voted and won--- a promised a park.

No attempts to alter or postpone what we legitimately won at the ballot box will be acceptable. 12/17/2023 9:02:12 Paola Levenson Please keep your promises! 12/17/2023 11:29:39 Lou Ssutu Thank you for your support of the overwhelming number of Santa Monica voters who support that the land be used exclusively for a much needed community park. 12/17/2023 11:36:30 Mike Sage Please support any and all efforts to make our Great Park a reality.

Thanks
12/17/2023 11:37:30 Elizabeth Van Denburgh The “airport” space was originally purchased via a park bond and planned to be a park. With the advent of war its purpose was redirected. With Santa Monica being at the bottom of California cities’ park space per resident i.e. park poor; we need to return this space for the well being and park usage that it was originally designed for. Do the right thing for residents’ and make this property into a park and green space to support future generations’ quality life and health. 12/17/2023 11:41:34 Daniel Reyman Please give us the beautiful park we voted for. 12/17/2023 11:43:17 Gregg Chadwick On Tuesday you have an opportunity to lead the city of Santa Monica into a bright and healthy future by voting for Sasaki Associates to restore the park land bought and voted for in 1926 and 2014 as the great park it is meant to be.
12/17/2023 11:48:35 Cris Armstrong Give us what we voted for 12/17/2023 11:48:58 Alexis Koren
12/17/2023 11:51:48 Chris Toussaint The polluting jets and helicopters over my house has to stop. A park is what we need.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
12/17/2023 11:54:37 Sam McGarry We need more green space please convert the land into a park 12/17/2023 12:00:24 Mary Suniga
12/17/2023 12:18:10 Victor Norman The City Council has delayed, prevaricated, and tried to bury perhaps the most important action it can take to ensure SM's quality of life. It is time to stop kowtowing to developers, air transport companies, and other non-resident parties who want to maintain the illegal continuation of their operations. The vast majority of residents want this airport permanently shut down and dedicated to the community's enjoyment. You must take action at your meeting on 12/20/23 to show your commitment to the well-being of the people who voted for you expecting you to move the closure to completion. If you continue status quo, there are enough of us prepared to make you do so by any legal means at our disposal. We hope it will come to this: it is your choice. 12/17/2023 12:19:55 Asa Greenberg
12/17/2023 12:20:57 Asa Greenberg Santa Monica has a chance to be a leader in evo friendly recreational place making. We owe it to LA to give this a shot!
12/17/2023 12:30:46 Iris Souza Please make the new airport park ONLY a park - no business or housing! Thanks. 12/17/2023 12:32:11 David Abramis Make the new airport park ONLY a park - no busineses and no housing! Thank you! 12/17/2023 13:12:58 Steve Novak Please close the SMO and convert it into a park. This is what we voted to have done in 2014 with Measure LC.
12/17/2023 13:36:59 Karen Pinto
12/17/2023 13:47:31 Jennifer Field A park is the only option for the airport moving forward,. Please stop entertaining there could be another.
12/17/2023 14:00:06 Doug Allenstein I voted for each and every one of you and have always trusted that when the time came you’d move forward with the park we’ve been promised (and have also voted for). Thank you. 12/17/2023 14:42:57 William Fordes Dear City Council Members:

There is no such thing as a great city without a great park. The voters in their overwhelming support of Prop LC recognized that and have directed you to build that great park. Please follow their directive and fulfill the law by directing your staff and planners to proceed with the great park.

Bill Fordes
2308 27th St
12/17/2023 14:49:21 Taryn Fordes Please honor the will of the people and what we overwhelmingly voted for: A Great Park. 12/17/2023 14:50:48 Elin Katz Please support a Great Park! Support mental health for generations to come. Thank you. 12/17/2023 15:12:07 Joy Abbott I am a housing advocate, but i hope the Council does the right thing (as we'd voted on years ago) to close the Airport for re-use as for open parks. What a legacy that would be! I specifically oppose a "mixed commercial use/housing" solution that developers are pushing for the Airport parcel.
12/17/2023 15:42:29 Natalie Greenberg As a Santa Monica homeowner and business owner, I wrote to ask that you please give our community the park space it so badly needs! Let's find a way to build an eco friendly, fun recreational and community space.

Let's build a park where we can share our time together. Let's build a place where kids can enjoy playing. Let's build outdoor cooking spaces, cultural spaces (like an amphitheater? Art displays/installations), and educational spaces.

Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park. let's build the next Central Park or Griffith Park -- IN WEST LA.

Give the kids of many generations a park and memories they will cherish for their lifetimes and the lifetimes of their children as well.

The future can be brighter and someone has to lead to make it happen.

Thanks for your consideration,
Sincerely, Natalie Greenberg
12/17/2023 17:09:55 Robert Street My family moved a block away from the airport in 1976 when I was 15. We raised 3 daughters here.

We are still here. This neighborhood has been special to us even with all the noise and issues that come with living next door the airport. If the airport is truly closing after all these years, then please honor the commitment to pursue a park for the community and resist the pressure from development interests. Please!
Thank you,
Robert E. Street
12/17/2023 19:42:46 Michael Osment Please do the right thing as stay on plan with the plan of a Great Park, the citizens voted by a huge margin to transform this airport that is polluting us and our children into a park with clean air and area to meet and play. No more housing, no more talk of it! Please do as we the citizens of Santa Monica have voted for! Keep the plans for a park.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Personal Comments to City Council
Timestamp Name Personal Comments to City Council:
12/17/2023 22:35:09 Ose Dalldorf I am deeply concerned that the City of Santa Monica is considering plans for usage of the SM Airport land ( once it is closed for aviation ) that are in direct violation of the legal vote results of the SM residents.it is all very clearly stated, I don't need to repeat, everybody is informed.

1. it is illegal to ignore a vote by the people.

2. It is a deeply un-democratic move to try to manipulate the text in a way to make room for special interests and trample on the very clear meaning of the decision.

3. It is also clearly in violation of transparency in a democratic process.

4. Finally : IT IS HIGHLY IMMORAL !
12/18/2023 7:43:16 Richard King Please do what the citizens want. 12/18/2023 8:05:21 Tia Triplett
12/18/2023 8:56:23 Sally allen Please insure that our residents will have a safe, healthy park. No housing or business development! Show that the council speaks for the people not the business or developer interests. 12/18/2023 10:53:16 Charleen Smith Please don't waste our money exploring other optios for the airport land. Vote to enact plans for the Great Park as we voted.
12/18/2023 15:07:32 Laurie Rocha The Santa Monica airport should be a park for Santa Monica. We already voted for it in LLC. 12/18/2023 15:24:50 Ellis Kirschenbaum Keep the land planned as a park. Likely forever, certainly until after 2028 deadline passes.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit A
City Council SMO Closure Resolution No. 11026
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit B
The 2014 Santa Monica Ballot Measure LC
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit C
Santa Monica City Request for Qualifications
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit D.
2014 Charter Amendment LC
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit E-1.

Sasaki RFQ Submission, March 13, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit E-2.

Sasaki RFQ Submission, March 13, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Exhibit F.

Staff Report 5303
Public Process to Determine the Future of the Santa Monica Airport ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Loren Bloch <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Agenda Item 11A: Tuesday December 19, 2023

EXTERNAL
Dear CouncilMembers,
My wife and I, our kids and grandkids are Sunset Park residents. Previously, I served on the Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Governors for 15 years, our city’s Housing Commission for 7 years, and am wriƟng as a private ciƟzen to urge you to consider a mix of uses on the 227 acre airport site. I enthusiasƟcally support 100 acres of parkland as the major and defining element onsite, and think the City Council ought to consider complementary uses on the land including housing for folks who work, but can’t afford to live, here, mobility hubs to reduce the demand for private automobiles, and a moderate amount of neighborhood serving retail and restaurants.  The City spent close to $50M to develop the 2 acre Tongva Park site, and will need to generate substanƟal revenue to support the construcƟon and operaƟon of the future parklands on the 227 acre parcel.  The Southern California AssociaƟon of Governments is requiring the City to deliver substanƟal numbers of affordable and workforce housing, and as the City owns the land in quesƟon, there’s a tremendous opportunity to deliver a mix of some residenƟal that is in fact affordable to essenƟal workers like our teachers, firefighters and healthcare workers, who generally can’t afford SM area rents, let alone the opportunity to purchase a home of their own.
 If we prioriƟze the delivery of affordable and workforce housing for people that already work in Santa Monica, it will help stabilize our workforce, reduce the commuter miles to and from work, and traffic congesƟon in the city.
 If we make affordable and workforce housing available to those families who can document their historical displacement for the construcƟon of the Civic Center and the 10 Freeway, we can help heal the city’s wounds.  AddiƟonally, many of our children have been priced out of the Santa Monica marketplace, and some of the parkland can be developed to provide them with housing they can afford.  Our community needs families to grow in order to sustain demand for goods and services, and the revenues they generate for the City’s coffers.
 And housing and neighborhood services will help acƟvate, place neighborhood eyes on, and secure the park’s open spaces.

The airport offers the City a once in a lifeƟme opportunity to masterplan a significant public space in a way that truly serves its people. If we creaƟvely plan for parkland that defines the site’s character and integrates with complementary uses, we can deliver an exemplary and sustainable community that carries the City’s historically progressive legacy into the future.

Loren Bloch
2626 33rd Street
Santa Monica, CA. 90405
310.741.5800
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: sharon ryan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report

EXTERNAL
Ladies and gentlemen, I am in total agreement with the following:
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of  parks,
 public open spaces, and
 public recreational facilities; and the
 maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts, and education uses.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jane Dempsey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 6:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: RE: December 19 Item 11 A

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I fully support the position of Friends of Sunset Park. See below.

Jane Dempsey
December 17, 2023
To: Mayor Brock and City Council members
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Staff Report: here
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Daklass1 <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 7:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A 12-19-23 Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
SM must not fund or start any development process prohibited by Measure LC, nor should the City initiate a ballot measure or explore land uses that would allow prohibited uses under Measure LC.

David Klass
1720 Wellesley Dr.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ray Daily <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: KSMO Airport Advocation

EXTERNAL
Hi there,
Just wanted to express my deep appreciaƟon for this airport. It’s where and why I learned to fly. I think it makes west LA unique and accessible. I would be saddened to see it go without a plan to offer other soluƟons to enable flight.

EVTOLs could be one soluƟon, but it’s sƟll a big gray area… I hope KSMO lives long and would be saddened to see it go.

Best,
Ray
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Will von Bernuth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Item 11A - Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
To the City Council,
As a resident of Santa Monica I ask you to move forward with the airpot as a city park and not other land uses. The residents voted on measure LC to use the land for a public park and I would like to see the land remain that way.

We do not need another ballot measure to rehash this issue. Directing Sasaki Associates to seek other uses for the again would be against the nature of the vote for LC and would re-open an issue which city residents have already voted on.

An opportunity like this to create such a large and amazing piece of public land will never come to Santa Monica again.

Further, the land was originally purchased in 1926 for use as a park. It should be kept this way.

Please keep the land for a great public park.

Regards,
Will
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Clerk Mailbox; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Susan Cline; David Martin; Jing Yeo; Amber Richane; Amelia Feichtner; Christopher Dishlip; Jenny Rogers; Jeanette Gant; Steven Johnson; Arati Desai Wagabaza; John Smith; Lori Brown; Andrew Gomez; Maryanne LaGuardia
Subject: December 19, 2023 Council Meeting - Item 11.A. - Sasaki engagement / Great Park planning

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Esteemed Councilmembers:

Please direct an Airport BACK to Park planning process that focuses only on adding a park alongside any existing cultural and arts uses (apart from airport use) that make sense to retain. No housing or other major developments please, as there is an over-supply of commercial space in the area, our 6th Cycle Housing Element has been approved, and regional population is in decline.

We do not need Sasaki to waste time on three scenarios when 60% of the community already has voted for exclusively a park.

Santa Monica remains dramatically park-poor, with only 1.4 acres of park/field space per 1000 residents. Los Angeles County has over 3.5 acres per 1000 residents and state and national recommendations place the "ideal" acreage for mental and physical health at 5+ acres per 1000 residents.

Even had the original park not been taken from our City by the federal government for war use after Pearl Harbor, our City would still be park-poor in relation to the ideal acreage --- restoring the 187 federally-appropriated aviation acres to park/recreation use would bring our City's parks/fields ratio to barely 3.43 acres of parkland per 1000 residents.

In a city like ours that is already park-poor yet rapidly densifying due to the outsize RHNA imposed by HCD, adding significant new park acreage therefore is critical.

In 2016, Los Angeles County conducted a park needs assessment by municipality and followed that up in 2022 with a regional park needs assessment summary. Quotes from that report, Appendix A, p.

A-187, found here https://lacountyparkneeds.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/03/AppA_RegionalProfiles_Westside_Dec2022.pdf ) include:
"To help address the lack of regional park space we are fortunate that the Santa Monica Airport will be closing in 2028 and that Santa Monica residents have voted to earmark that land for park use. How can LA County help?"
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 "We need a large regional park on the westside. Space is an issue and will be more difficult [to add] in the future. We need to set aside [park] space now."
Again, as stated at the outset, there is no need to plan to add housing or other non-park, public and recreational uses, so I respectfully ask you to please narrow the focus of the planning engagement for both Staff and Sasaki to exclusively Great Park planning.

With much appreciation,
Ann Bowman
Resident, 27+ years
Santa Monica Park Metrics: https://lacountyparkneeds.org/wpcontent/root/FinalReportAppendixA/StudyArea_182.pdf City Clerk – Please include this letter in the Public Record for Agenda Item 11.A., City Council meeting of December 19, 2023.
.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Joe Pertel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: December 19, 2023 Agenda item 11-A - Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Council Members,
I strongly urge you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, under any scenario, that would trigger a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

There should be no consideration of uses that are incompatible with Measure LC. No reconsideration of the decision to close the Airport. No commercial development. No housing.

Uses that are not currently permitted under Measure LC can be explored incrementally AFTER closure to the airport and AFTER a Great Park plan is established.

I further support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project focused on a Great Park.

As you know, the City of Santa Monica had a Great Park on what is now the Airport land. This property was essentially seized and converted to military use as a result of the Second World War.

Now is the time to RETURN and RESTORE this property for the residents of this City.

We have one chance to get this right for future generations of Santa Monica residents.

Thank you,
Joe Pertel
Santa Monica resident (25+ years)
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Kuangwei Hwang <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 2:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: The Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council:

The airport has been an integral part of the local economy, contributing significantly to national & international security, job creation, and tourism.

We firmly believe that the continuation of aviation activities at the Santa Monica Airport is essential for the following reasons:

1. Economic Contribution: SMO generates substantial economic benefits for Santa Monica and our local community, including job creation, revenue generation, and business development.

4. Historical Significance: Santa Monica Airport has a rich aviation history and has been an integral part of the city's identity. Preserving its aviation use maintains this historical legacy.

The SMAA welcomes the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and participate in discussions regarding the future of Santa Monica Airport. We believe that by working together, we can find balanced solutions that benefit the community while ensuring the continued operation of the airport for aviation purposes.

Thank you for your service to our great city. Let’s keep the innovation spirit alive and thriving! Sincerely,
Kuangwei Hwang
Angel Flight Command PIlot 7953
Head of Platform Engineering, Supernatural, Meta LA
Santa Monica Airport Association Member
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Cathy Larson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Dec 19, 2023 Item 11 A

EXTERNAL
Council Members,
I support the staff recommendation to engage Sasaki and Associates to conduct the community outreach process, visioning services, and a concept design for the future planning of the Airport land.

In addition, I urge Council to direct Sasaki Associates to avoid any land use options not compatible with the language of LC and the City Charter that would necessitate a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Residents voted overwhelmingly to create a Great Park in 2014. Any other uses considered at this time would delay the implementation of that vision.

I also support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion (or more correctly Re-version) to a Great Park.

In 1926, Santa Monica voter passed a bond measure to create a great park. It is time to return the land to its original intent.

Thank you,
Cathy Larson
For identification purposes only, I am speaking on my own behalf Airport 2 Park Boardmember
FOSP Boardmember
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Cris Gutierrez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Cc: David White
Subject: Agenda Item 11 A, 12/19/23

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Santa Monica City Council Members:

I write to support a full community engagement process of re‐envisioning the Santa Monica Airport to become a great park setting with creative, ecologically‐designed housing that can meet the standards of our climate and sustainability goals as well as our values and norms for our city of well‐being. Our resiliency stems from, as codified in our Sustainability Rights Ordinance, the healthy relationships that we Santa Monicans cultivate with each other and Nature in community. We need to be open‐minded and open‐hearted in re‐envisioning the airport.

As Santa Monica has led in sustainability, recognized nationally and internationally, as the council has called for our values to lead this community engagement we can be confident in creating a great park that embraces stewardship homes for diverse neighbors and families. There are many examples growing world‐wide. We can add to those models with our values, aspirations, and inspiration to serve now and in the future proving how the human and natural community can thrive together.

With respect,
Cris Gutierrez
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Roger Allen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:28 AM
To: Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: December 19 - Item # 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I support staff recommendation to engage Sasaki and Associates to conduct public outreach and visioning process for the creation of a Great Park on the SMO Airport land.

I also support the creation of a staff position to facilitate the reversion of the current Airport Land back to a Great Park as was the original intent of purchasing the land in 1926.

Please direct Sasaki and the new staff planner to only consider land uses compatible with Measure LC and the current City Charter language.

The People WANT a Great Park!!
Thank you,
Roger Allen
Email [email protected]

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Item 11.a--Encouragement for an Inclusive Decision-Making Process for Santa Monica Airport Land Transition.

From: Willow Geer‐Alsop <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 4:40 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 11.a‐‐Encouragement for an Inclusive Decision‐Making Process for Santa Monica Airport Land Transition.

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my support for an inclusive and comprehensive decision-making process regarding the future of the land currently occupied by the Santa Monica Airport. I understand that the City Council is set to vote on Tuesday night on a process to gather input from the community about the transition of the land, particularly toward creating open spaces, parks, and recreational facilities as mandated by Measure LC in 2014.

The prospect of converting the airport into a park holds tremendous potential value for the city, its residents, and its visitors. However, I share concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the specifics of the park's features, funding sources, and how the city plans to balance this initiative with other pressing priorities such as traffic, public safety, and youth services.

I commend the City Council's decision to initiate a listening process to understand the diverse needs and desires of the Santa Monica community. It is only logical to involve as many residents as possible in shaping the future of this significant public space. Given that nearly ten years have passed since the passage of Measure LC, this is a crucial moment to engage in open dialogue and collectively determine the best way forward.

Regrettably, I have learned about attempts by some community activists to impede the conversation through scare tactics, aiming to stifle the listening process. I believe that such tactics are unfair and undemocratic, as they hinder the opportunity for a well-informed and inclusive decision-making process.

I urge you to consider the voices of the majority who seek a fair and open discussion about the future of the Santa Monica Airport land. The transition away from aviation to parks, public open spaces, and recreational facilities, as mandated by Measure LC, is a pivotal step. However, it is equally vital to understand the community's expectations and aspirations to ensure that the new park aligns with the evolving needs of Santa Monica today and in the future.

I encourage the City Council to stand firm against attempts to curtail the democratic process and to actively promote an environment where all residents can voice their opinions. The success of this initiative hinges on the genuine engagement of the community, and I trust that you will prioritize a fair and inclusive decision-making process.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Please don’t assume that anyone knows why a person voted for Measure LC, let’s use this process to find out what our community really thinks the airport land should be used for now, and for many generations.

Thank you for your dedication to serving the Santa Monica community. I appreciate your efforts in fostering transparency and democratic values.

Willow Geer
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Bonnie <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:43 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; David White
Subject: Great park now; no failing up for White

EXTERNAL

1. We voted for a great park ‐ that's all that's acceptable for council to consider or approve. With all the talk over the past few years of undermining democracy ‐ it's council's job to follow what voters asked for: a great park. Think of your legacy if we have a park like Golden Gate Park. You'd be remembered for life. Do the right thing and create a park.

Please do not raise David White's salary - he does not deserve to fail up. If anything, he should be fired or get a decrease in pay. Under White's tenure:

1. our streets are covered in trash, bottles, and human feces;

2. our libraries are closed;

3. he's invited drug addicts to openly use drugs in front of our children and welcomed the county to provide drug paraphernalia;

4. he's allowed a proliferation of cartels to enter the city and engage in drug dealing, prostitution, and forced labor;

5. he invites mentally ill drug addicts to move to santa monica from all over the country to terrorize actual residents;

6. stores have closed;

7. i cannot go downtown with my children without being accosted or screamed at by the mentally ill drug addicts who have more rights than i do;

8. he's handed our streets over to illegal parking of oversized vehicles that never receive tickets;

9. he's turned our beaches into dog runs because there is no enforcement of no dogs on beach rule;

10. he's allowed an increase in pedestrian deaths by directing pd to ignore law breaking and failing to enforce basic traffic laws.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 9:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 12/19/2023 11A

EXTERNAL
We need to have a serious conversation about the airport as a city. Unfortunately, the Brock Caucus of Phil, Lana, Oscar and Christine decided to go along with the insane conspiracy theories spread about Leonora Camner to try to keep us from having that conversation, instead preferring to once again privilege the tiny minority of loud voices who have the time and disposable income to attend traditional outreach sessions.

Contrary to the false claims of those who insist we already settled the question of what to do with the airport land in 2014, the text of Measure LC plainly states:

Shall the City Charter be amended to: (1) prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities, until the voters approve limits on the uses and development that may occur on the land; and (2) affirm the City Council's authority to manage the Airport and to close all or part of it? From where I'm sitting it seems likely they know that the park‐and‐nothing‐else absolutism is not actually nearly as popular as its proponents want us to think, and that they know we do not and will not have the money to turn the entire airport property into a park, and have concluded that the only way to get what they want is to keep us from discussing or voting on anything else. We cannot let this turn into another Civic Center "park" scenario, where the parking lot was supposed to be converted into an actual park and instead we got a chainlinked soccer field that's only available a few hours a week by appointment only, which was apparently an acceptable outcome to the Brock Caucus types since it at least blocked housing from being developed on the land.

And even if by some miracle the money somehow materializes, why does the Brock Caucus want to sink tens of millions of dollars into building a park that will be far more accessible to Mar Vista residents than most Santa Monica residents? ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: BILL SUNDBLAD <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 9:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Park - YES

EXTERNAL
Voters want the Park, NOT housing or airport.

Bill Sundblad
40 year Resident Ocean Park
Sent from my iPad
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:31 AM
To: Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: 12.19.23 City Council agenda item 11-A - Future of Santa Monica Airport - Return Land to "Great Park"

EXTERNAL
December 19, 2023
Dear Mayor Brock and City Council Members:

The future of the 187 open-space acres of formerly Clover Field Park (appropriated by the federal government for an airport in the 1940s) could be one of the most impactful land-use and development issues our City will ever face. Recognizing this, a decade ago the community mobilized to pass an initiative (LC) which requires our city to return this valuable public land to park and recreational uses, or should Council wish to upend the voter’s wishes, that a new public vote be taken.

Santa Monica voters i.e., residents have said what they want on airport land. We hope the City Council will respect the results of that democratic process, even if some may disagree with the outcome. That is democracy.

I support the retention of Sasaki Associates as well as the hiring of a principal design and planning manager to focus on the conversion of the site into a “Great Park.” We envision a planning process which involves the City and County of Los Angeles, whose residents live near this site and who, like Santa Monica, also would benefit from a Great Park. We’re repeatedly told that Santa Monica has the least amount of park space for a city of our size in California and this disparity will only grow given the rapidly increasing density resulting from thousands of new multi-family units that ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 are in the pipeline. Our city is already in need of additional open-space and parkland. Our coming population growth will require even more.

We look forward to the planning process and widespread community engagement for Santa Monica residents and residents who live near the future “Great Park”.

Elizabeth Van Denburgh
Wilmont
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Tim Cashin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: The Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council:

The airport has been an integral part of the local economy, contributing significantly to national & international security, job creation, and tourism.

We firmly believe that the continuation of aviation activities at the Santa Monica Airport is essential for the following reasons:

1. Economic Contribution: SMO generates substantial economic benefits for Santa Monica and our local community, including job creation, revenue generation, and business development.

4. Historical Significance: Santa Monica Airport has a rich aviation history and has been an integral part of the city's identity. Preserving its aviation use maintains this historical legacy.

Thank you for your service to our great city. Let’s keep the innovation spirit alive and thriving! Sincerely,
Tim Cashin
Vice President, Santa Monica Airport Association
Email: [email protected]
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Amanda Grossman
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11a. - Motion from Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment Attachments: 23.12.18_Future_Of_SMOvDK.pdf
Good morning,
Attached is a motion from last night’s Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment meeting in support of staff’s recommendations for selecting Sasaki Associates, Inc. for Community Outreach, Visioning Services, and Concept Design for the Airport Conversion Project.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you.

Amanda Grossman (She/Her)
Sustainability Analyst
LEED Green Associate, TRUE Advisor, ENV SP
(310) 458-2201 x 2406
santamonica.gov
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to Sustainable SaMo Newsletter
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Memo
To: City of Santa Monica City Manager’s Office
From : Dean Kubani, Chair, Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment
Sig na ture :

Da te : December 19, 2023
Re : City of Santa Monica Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment Motion Regarding The Future of SMO – Tradition Community Outreach Process Overview
Amber Richane (Acting Chief Operation Officer) presented an update on the community outreach process for the Future of Santa Monica Airport (SMO). City staff has recommended Sasaki Associates, Inc. for the Community Outreach Process, Visioning Services and Concept Design for the Airport Conversion Project.

The Community Outreach will be a five-phase process that will be conducted over 21 months. The process includes an open and inclusive process to reaching out to folks that do not normally participate. The outcome will be a Preferred Scenario Plan that is currently scheduled to be completed in the Winter 2025.

After discussion, the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment made the following motion:

The C o m m issio n o n Susta ina b ility, Enviro nm e nta l Justic e , a nd the Enviro nm e nt supports sta ff’s re c o m m e nd a tio n o f se le c ting Sa sa ki for a c o m m unity o utre a c h p ro c e ss tha t is o p e n, inc lusive , a nd e q uita b le . The C o m m issio n a lso sup p o rt sta ff’s re c o m m e nd a tio n fo r the sta ffing a ug m e nta tio n.

The motion was made by Member Gold and seconded by Member Tower.

The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Ayes: Chair Kubani
Vice Chair Tower
Member Gold
Member Tower
Member Lempert
Member Pettit
Member Sokol
Noes: None
Abstain: None

Absent: None
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Diane Sabatini <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Thank you.

Diane Sabatini
1801 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.804.9811
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Diane Sabatini <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
1) The FOSP Board urges you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Diane Sabatini
1801 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Hajar Muqtasid St. Claire <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis
Subject: Agenda Item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete and Council, I am writing to support a full process of item 11.

I support to award a contract to Sasaki Associates to lead community outreach, visioning services and concept design for the future of the Santa Monica airport ONLY if the process includes a discussion about affordable housing.

Communities that have disenfranchised low wage essential workers will argue that we have done our part to provide enough housing units but most housing developments are market rate and not affordable unless you and your household make over 150k a year!
We must do our part to stop social and wage segregation and apartheid by providing additional affordable housing. We have a chance to build in designated areas around the airport especially south of Airport and the northeast corner which is jointly owned by Los Angeles County.

The planning process for the future of the airport should be open to all ideas, and not entirely focused on a park. The airport acreage is over 200 acres. We could very well build a Great Park like in Irvine but affordable housing for seniors, veterans, disabled, low wage essential workers, SMMUSD classified workers and teachers, and people pushed out by eminent domain and the 10 freeway needs to be prioritized NOW.

Thank you,
Hajar Muqtasid

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Gavin Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: written comment for airport item 11A
Attachments: Raiders Written statement.docx

EXTERNAL
I would like to submit the written comment below from myself (Gavin Scott) and Zina Josephs, Secretary of Friends of Sunset Park, for tonight's item on the closure and conversion of the airport, which I believe is 11A
Raiders of the Lost Park
By Gavin Scott and Zina Josephs
Today’s decision will be an Indiana Jones moment for the City Council, the equivalent of the dramatic scene in the George Lucas movie where Indie realises that “X” really DOES mark the spot. And the treasure we’re looking for? Around two hundred acres of prime parkland our city bought for public recreation back in 1926, which has been buried under layers of asphalt and concrete for more than eighty years. We lost it when, patriotically enough, Santa Monica loaned the land to the Federal Government after Pearl Harbor, and in the process left us one of the lowest ranked cities in California for open space. The war ended in 1945, but once something has been handed over to Washington, it’s hard to get it back. (Remember the Ark of the Covenant being wheeled into that immense government warehouse? A bit like what happened to our park.) Amazingly, however, after years of campaigning, and despite the best efforts of private pilots and big corporations, the government has agreed to let us have the park back at midnight on December 31, 2028. That’s still some years off, but something as important as this needs to be planned. Which is why today is so crucial.

Tonight, we hope, the City Council will be directing Sasaki Associates to start working out how to turn the airport back into a park. Sasaki is a good choice: around the world they’ve already converted ten airports into parks. But here’s the danger – what if they’re asked to look at the possibility of doing something else with the land? Like covering it with roads, traffic and houses? Sadly, there are plenty of people who’d like that to happen: there’d be huge profits to be made if developers get their hands on this precious open space. And of course there are powerful corporations who want the airport to stay open because it’s so convenient for their CEOs to be able to fly private jets in and out of Santa Monica.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 But fortunately, less than ten years ago, after a hard-fought campaign and a democratic vote, the people of Santa Monica decided overwhelmingly (60/40) that when the airport closed, the land should become a park again. That was “Measure LC” and the Council should tell Sasaki that anything they consider for the land should comply with that.

If our councillors tell them to consider other uses – like building a huge new housing development – it could be like that other Indiana Jones moment, when Belloq steals the Ark of the Covenant and makes off with it. But anyone contemplating that should remember what happened to Belloq and his allies at the end of Raiders: suffice it to say, it wasn’t good.

We’re on the point of uncovering our Lost Park, and creating something for which our children and generations of children to come will be hugely grateful: a green, peaceful oasis in the midst of the city. Let’s not blow it. To all our City Council members we say, with great sincerity (and quoting yet another Indiana Jones movie) – “Choose wisely.”

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Alan Levenson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11a - The Future Airport Discussion

EXTERNAL
Please consider the hundreds of comments below from people who want to see our park land to be used as a park.

Thank you.

Alan Levenson
11/7/2023 10:00:19 \\ Alice Ellis \\ Start planning for the park we voted for! 11/7/2023 10:00:53 \\ Alan Levenson \\ We want a park with things that belong in a park, and not with things that don’t. 11/7/2023 14:46:38 \\ Igor Meglic \\ "We all know we need this park more than anything else...please do the right thing, maybe not as much for us but for our kids and their kids too.

Thank you!"
11/7/2023 14:47:50 \\ Rebecca Nelson \\ Greenery, a place to ride bicycles, water features, easy parking, and a street through the middle so that Walgrove/23rd st and Bunny don't get too congested (they already are). 11/7/2023 14:53:10 \\ Jennifer Field \\ In 2028 the airport must become a park. The will of the majority of Santa Monica residents who voted in Measure LC needs to be respected. NO HOUSING. NO AIRPORT. We need an asset that serves the enƟre community, not just a few. Keep the exisƟng structures, like Barker Hangar, let the revenue they generate pay for the park. Anything else is unacceptable.
11/7/2023 14:55:01 \\ theo swerissen \\ I am fed up with the noise and polluƟon caused by the Santa Monica Airport (SMO). The unfair allocaƟon of space for the airport is disrespecƞul. It is high Ɵme for the land occupied by SMO to be transformed into a public park. I sincerely hope that Santa Monica officials will not engage in another secreƟve deal behind closed doors, similar to what happened in the past. Our collecƟve decision is to turn this space into a park, and that's what our vote stands for.
11/7/2023 14:58:24 \\ Minda Johnstone \\ We want and need a park. More open space to preserve everyone's quality of life and air quality, for now and years to come. Thank you. 11/7/2023 15:02:15 \\ Robert Brown \\ The 267 acres now occupied by SMO, belongs to the residents of Santa Monica.

In 2014, voters OVERWHELMINGLY voted YES for Measure LC (and roundly rejected AviaƟon's Measure d) which changed the city charter to assure that the only Parks, Playing fields and Open Space would be permiƩed on the land aŌer SMO closed unless the voters decided otherwise. The fight over the closure of SMO has been going on for DECADES. Santa Monica is desperate for more parks! Yes, it will be expensive but the city also takes in 20 million per year in non‐aviaƟon leases. Enough foot dragging and enough back room dealing. PLAN FOR THAT PARK! DESIGN THAT PARK! BUILD THAT PARK! This is a once in a century opportunity to create a space that can be enjoyed by EVERYONE... forever. 11/7/2023 15:05:04 \\ Brian Kelly \\ This is our opportunity to have Santa Monica’s own Central Park, something that future generaƟons will undoubtedly be ever grateful that we did.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 11/7/2023 15:09:23 \\ William Fordes \\ During the proposiƟon baƩle, I walked and got signatures as a volunteer. I helped with the draŌing of the proposiƟon to convert the airport to a park. I believe in it as a future that SM cannot give up at this point, and the voters had their say and they said, overwhelmingly, “we want a park.” PLEASE adhere to the will of the voters.
11/7/2023 15:14:07 \\ JusƟn Anderson \\ The voters were clear: this land should be used for a park! This is what the land was originally purchased for and what it should be returned to once the noisy, filthy airport is finally closed. Please begin planning for this wonderful future park right away.
11/7/2023 15:23:48 \\ Dirk van de Bunt \\ Please turn the airport into a Great and “great” park, with playgrounds, walking trails, off leash parks, places for kids, places for bikes and skateboards, where they don’t intersect with walkers, and places for older folks, too. Provide lots of nature, lots of seaƟng, keep the cars out, make it like a mini Central Park, where there’s something for everyone (museums, arts, places to play, places to connect with nature), and security! Dont forget security. Without that, it won’t get used. We look forward to enjoying it in our old age. 11/7/2023 15:26:55 \\ Gail Gordon \\ "I am thrilled at the opportunity Santa Monica has to create a generaƟonal Park possible akin to New York or San Francisco, hopefully Mai rain the Flying museum, create other museums about this space and its relaƟonship to the state and country.

I live next door to the airport, I was honestly concerned that the city would try to move against the will of its residents/consƟtuents as has been done in the past. I am encouraged that we are finally being listened to instead of taken advantage of. Here’s to great things in our future. " 11/7/2023 15:27:10 \\ LYNN NOVATT \\ "Yes, I would like to see a Great Park, like Central Park in NY , except with views to the ocean!
Santa Monica has become TOO overdeveloped in the last 20 years! Please STOP with the over building and create some green space for the society and ciƟzens to enjoy. "
11/7/2023 15:33:39 \\ Steve Chinn \\
11/7/2023 15:33:51 \\ Se Jong Ding \\ A park in place of the SM Airport would be enjoyed by all residents for gneraƟons to come. These spaces will have lasƟng legacy that are otherwise impossible to obtain. 11/7/2023 15:42:52 \\ Ellen Mark \\ "Dear Councilmembers, The airport space should be available for a park and only a park aŌer the airport closing. There will be available funds to maintain it. Thank you to those who are supporƟve!
Sincerely,
Ellen Mark"
11/7/2023 15:45:49 \\ Victor Fresco \\ We voted for a great park. Full stop. City Council must honor the voters mandate. 11/7/2023 15:48:55 \\ Virginia Mastroianni \\ Let the fat cats park their Gulfstreams in their own backyard. Airport Avenue is right behind my house. I have lived in my home for over 20 years. I resent the airport noise for my own peace of mind as well as my auƟsƟc son‐ now age 30. Give us the PARK only that we voted for. I voted from Santa Monica in 2014 to get rid of the airport. It's only "glamourous" for the people who fly. For the residents the noise is PURE HELL.

Enough is enough.
11/7/2023 15:50:20 \\ Joseph Lutz \\ We need a park‐‐put housing some other place. 11/7/2023 15:54:26 \\ Lisa Detamore \\ This area has been my home for over 20 years and I am so excited that it will finally be a park. I would love for the park to conƟnue the theme of the airport without planes taking off. I would also love to see a live music area and a walking path.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
3 11/7/2023 15:55:48 \\ Sean Meehan \\
11/7/2023 16:09:19 \\ Stephen Manes \\ Please don't alter the wishes of the voters. The airport land should become a park as planned and voted on and not new housing!!
11/7/2023 16:15:51 \\ Phyllis Chavez \\ The big park is what should be there. Let's get started. Thank you. 11/7/2023 16:17:58 \\ David Konell \\ The voters have spoken. SMO will be a park in 2028. Nothing else! 11/7/2023 16:23:47 \\ Angelica Benavides \\ Please honor the 2014 vote, which did not come easily passed… we want only a great big park as planned for decades… thank you. 11/7/2023 16:25:33 \\ Chutney Li \\
11/7/2023 16:26:11 \\ Karen Comegys‐Wortz \\ We voted for a park! It's your job to give it to us!!! 11/7/2023 16:37:27 \\ Emi Onishi \\ Hi, thanks for the great job you're doing. I've been looking forward to this park since the idea was first voted into place. With only 5 more years to go, I'm very excited as to what it could bring to the community. I hope you will conƟnue to vote for things that support this amazing place‐to‐be. 11/7/2023 16:39:00 \\ Patrick Davenport \\ "Dear Sir or Madam.

We voted for a Great Park to replace Santa Monica Airport so please follow through with this plan. The westside has very liƩle public park space and the Great Park would be a much beƩer use of the space than addiƟonal housing. It's Ɵme.

Yours faithfully,
Patrick Davenport "
11/7/2023 16:40:20 \\ Stephen Mark \\ I think once the airport land is remediated for toxins, it should be turned into a low maintenance, low cost woods, perhaps with walking and biking paths, whose main purpose would be carbon capture, but which would also act as a place for people to walk around as well as create a mini‐wildlife habitat that might keep the Airport coyotes closer to their dens rather than hunƟng in the surrounding neighborhoods. Other uses would be possible as long as they were compaƟble with that central theme. Cars should be prohibited. I am, by the way, a supporter of adding housing to Santa Monica as long as it's done as part of a comprehensive plan to reduce, if not eliminate, auto traffic from the City. We have to house people. We have to clean the atmosphere. We can't allow those goals to compete.
11/7/2023 17:00:42 \\ Sarah Lewis \\ Respect what the voters voted for ‐ a green space and park! 11/7/2023 17:20:28 \\ Fabrizio Giorgi \\ I want a park. We have plenty of houses and traffic. Let make it like the High line in NY. We can do this and we deserve this.
11/7/2023 17:30:08 \\ Elin Katz \\ Please do not advance the idea of housing on the future Great Park land! The park needs to be a large natural common space everyone can enjoy, with soccer fields, a community garden and recreaƟonal areas for kids and adults. We have waited too long for the dream to come true. Don't compromise it with housing no one asked for. High rise apartments are being built all over the city. Leave our park alone. 11/7/2023 17:31:48 \\ Suanne Ware‐Diaz \\
11/7/2023 17:33:13 \\ Roberto Schaefer \\ "make it a [park, shut down the airport completely" 11/7/2023 17:40:37 \\ Joseph Hardin \\ "First of all thanks for your hard work.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
4 You should all know the History and Facts about the SMO property. Even though the plan for the Great Santa Monica Park has been delayed by The Great Depression and WWII, the Korean War, the War in Vietnam, Corporate Greed, etc...We now have the opportunity to fulfill a goal that was set almost one hundred years ago and reaffirmed in 2014 and 2017. We need the City Council to have the courage and wisdom to hire a design company that will follow the mandate of Measure LC. There is plenty of other property in Santa Monica well suited for housing and commerce.

A Great Park is good for our physical environment and good for people's mental health.

We could also get a head start on some of the environmental clean up by immediately ending the sale and storage of leaded fuel at SMO. That is a win‐win for a ""Green City"".

The quesƟon is: Will you, the City Council, do the will of the majority of ciƟzens of Santa Monica and move forward on The Great Park as soon as possible?
Thanks for your Ɵme, Joe"
11/7/2023 18:05:37 \\ Eddy Winston \\ We the people of Santa Monica want the Great Park! Please make it happen without delay!
11/7/2023 18:35:04 \\ DOUGLAS JOHNSTONE \\ Follow the vote. 11/7/2023 18:45:26 \\ John Ventura \\ I would like to voice my support for turning the SMO land to a park and nothing else. Maintenace paid for $20M per year from leasing Ex‐airport land. Thank you 11/7/2023 20:04:03 \\ jusƟne lowe \\ As 15 year residents of navy street, We strongly oppose any opposiƟon by the city of santa monica to build anything other than a park at the Santa Monica airport. 11/7/2023 20:09:09 \\ jusƟne lowe \\ "As a 15 year residents of navy street, We strongly oppose any opposiƟon by the city of Santa monica to build anything other than a park at the Santa Monica airport. " 11/7/2023 20:23:48 \\ Richard Eagan \\ "PrioriƟze the health and well being of your fellow Santa Monica residents over short‐sighted corporate greed.

ConƟnue to be bold and think progressively for the future. Build the park with no housing. " 11/7/2023 20:23:51 \\ David Abramis \\ We want a PARK ‐‐ ONLY a park ‐‐ not housing, and not for ANY reason. This is what we voted for and this is what the land should be. Parkland, and ONLY parkland. 11/7/2023 20:40:15 \\ Dika Chartoff \\ This park should feel like a great nature oasis, similar to Central Park in NYC. I would also love to see a museum for innovaƟon for children and adults, dedicated to educaƟon about climate change and how we can prevent it. ArƟsts from all over the world would exhibit their nature‐inspired installaƟons inside the great big park.
11/7/2023 21:59:06 \\ Jan Simonovic \\ Make a park with lots of trees and views to the Pacific 11/7/2023 22:11:14 \\ Grace Gabe \\ please build a beauƟful park to replace the old airport. 11/7/2023 22:11:46 \\ Aaron Levine \\
11/7/2023 22:13:18 \\ Mark Abdou \\ Please keep the airport land development to a park in accordance with the ciƟzens’ vote.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
5 11/7/2023 22:46:28 \\ Charles Blum \\ Never again will we ever have a chance to have a park for all future generaƟons.

This open land can be developed with the consideraƟon of improving our carbon footprint, returning land for many people to use in to mulƟple ways, and have Santa Monica standout in an environmentally powerful way. 11/8/2023 4:01:54 \\ David Goddard \\ Please stop fuel sales. Begin the process to close the airport. This was previously call the starvaƟon strategy. Please make it clear to the tenants that the airport will be closing in 2028. 11/8/2023 5:16:18 \\ Elaine Miller \\ It is Ɵme for the people to have a safe and healthy environment free from the devastaƟng impact of aviaƟon noise and air polluƟon. Stand up for the rights of the people!!!!! 11/8/2023 6:01:21 \\ Steven Brady \\
11/8/2023 6:39:59 \\ Simona Garon \\ In 2014 we won a democraƟc vote on wanƟng a park when SM airport will close. I voted for that and I sƟll want the same a park. No more housing!! Thanks!! 11/8/2023 7:47:12 \\ Sandra Casillas \\ I do not live in Santa Monica, I live two blocks east of Santa Monica Airport. I have been affected by the airport ever since I purchased my home in 1994. I can’t tell you how happy I am that the airport is going to be turned into a great park. I look forward to walking along in the green loveliness of it. Thank you for doing with the ciƟzens of Santa Monica voted for, and I hardly approve of, a great park. 11/8/2023 8:25:27 \\ Lara Osment \\ Please convert the airport into a park with a skate park, pump track ( like they did in inglewood recently ) Inglewood. Cafes, Theatres ‐ a place for community and clear air. ‐ DO NOT build more housing.

We dont need housing. We didnt vote for housing. The city generates 20m a year from rental income, you have enough to build and manage the park.
11/8/2023 8:34:21 \\ Laura Park \\ "PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP OVER DEVELOPING SANTA MONICA. Ocean Avenue is already ruined!!!! Please do what the voters of Santa Monica voted to do in 2014 and make the airport land a park, NOT HOUSING. Be heroes to the people of Santa Monica instead of greedy, money grabbing (from developers )non‐caring drones. You were elected to make Santa Monica a beƩer place, not the overcrowded urban nightmare it has become.

Thank you,
Laura Park"
11/8/2023 8:48:18 \\ Will Guston \\ "In 2014,The vast majority of Santa Monica voters approved a ballot measure to close the Santa Monica Airport and restore the land to create a park.

Stop wasƟng Ɵme scheming with developers to turn the land into a housing development. Get busy planning how to create a great park for the people.

We the ciƟzens, will be watching you.

Will Guston"
11/8/2023 8:53:02 \\ Sam McGarry \\ please rewild the space.... we need more greenspace. 11/8/2023 8:57:47 \\ Theresa Zupi Forster \\ Make the park as promised. We don’t need any more buildings. Santa Monica is turning into The Projects
11/8/2023 9:12:25 \\ Emily Dawe \\ The airport land should be a park. That's all. That is what the original idea nearly 100 years ago was. That is what the voters of Santa Monica expressed in 2014. That is what makes the most sense to keep our community as wonderful a place to live as it is.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
6 11/8/2023 9:14:44 \\ Darlene vogel  \\ Dear city council , as you know , we need more parks and field space for our growing sports . Soccer , pickleball , skatepark , anything else than housing . Traffic is unbearable , esp on Walgrove to Airport. We have enough housing .
11/8/2023 9:21:38 \\ Christopher Park \\ Please do not let the airport turn into more housing. This area is already so congested with traffic that it is geƫng difficult to cross the street. I don't bother even trying to drive aŌer 3:00 in the aŌernoon. The downtown area has also become difficult to get around due to the development. I ride my bike everywhere and am happy to do so, but not everyone is as acƟve as I am.The people of Santa Monica voted for a Park in 2014. We did not vote for the over development currently taking place due to the oversite and non funcƟoning of previous councils. I have proudly lived here for 40 years because the city always seems to do what is right. Building more housing in an already super congested corridor with no natural outlets is irresponsible and does nothing but degrade the quality of living for all Santa Monica. The people wanted a Park! 11/8/2023 9:44:22 \\ Pam Goodman \\ Santa Monica voted for a park in 2014.  We should not let developers overturn what the city wants.
11/8/2023 9:52:31 \\ Barry Friesen \\ NO HOUSING or more business park buildings. surrounding streets can not handle exisƟng traffic and definitely would not support more traffic.  Park or open space as voted on by residents. 11/8/2023 10:17:57 \\ Will von Bernuth \\ Keep the airport land for a public park as the voters voted for in 2014's measure LC.
11/8/2023 10:24:13 \\ Will von Bernuth \\ Keep the airport for a public park as the voters voted for in 2014's Measure LC. Not for housing.
11/8/2023 10:46:16 \\ Laurel Gallucci \\ We would like more transparency concerning the future of the Santa Monica Airport. The voters vote for parkland in 2014. Is that what’s sƟll happening? 11/8/2023 10:47:12 \\ Ashley Wrobel \\ "Please protect what the voters chose in 2014 .. create a park and open space for Santa Monica.  And it is alot of acreage ... maybe a few houses or one condo project.. "
11/8/2023 10:48:09 \\ Ashley Wrobel \\ BUT don't change the current agreed upon plan of the voters without VOTER approval.  Let us keep at least Santa Monica a democracy 11/8/2023 10:59:25 \\ Lisa Sandbank  \\ I voted for a park when I voted for measure LC because we need the recreaƟonal space and cool zones that a park provides. The city purchased this property on a park bond and when the airport ceases, the land needs to be reverted back to its righƞul purpose. 11/8/2023 11:04:45 \\ Karla Klarin \\ Please stay with the planned use by turning the airport into a big, wonderful, beauƟful park for all of us to enjoy!  Let housing be built in the urban zones, we need this park! 11/8/2023 11:06:07 \\ Traci Wallace \\ Dear Members of the Council:  It has been quite disappoinƟng to see that voters' preferences regarding the airport land are being in any way dismissed or ignored by some on the council.  I urge you ALL to please respect the wishes of your consƟtuents and move forward with the park plans for the airport land, as approved many years ago.  Thank you!
11/8/2023 11:18:43 \\ Denise Bachman \\ We want a great park ‐ there is no excuse for a city that claims to be forward thinking in environmental concerns to delay a park. Trees, green space, playgrounds, easy access from the north side as well as the east and west. A Central Park, with lakes and museums and galleries and public spaces would be nice, but in my opinion the most important thing to do is create a forest of trees to clean our polluted air! We voted on this, the opinion of the people is clear, please stop listening to those groups that want to conƟnue using it as a source of air ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
7 pollutants in the form of internal combusƟon airplanes taking off and landing, instead of a remedy for them! Kindly act in the interests of the people you were elected to serve, not only the businesses with the biggest bank accounts who want to keep business as usual!
11/8/2023 12:04:22 \\ Jennifer Harris \\ My family and friends (we live adjacent to the West side of the airport) implore the City Council to abide by the SM voters' overwhelming wishes of converƟng the Airport land to Park space back in 2014. We did not vote to convert the 200 + acres to housing. We have very liƩle communal park area vs. housing in this small city. The loƩery is unnecessary ‐ the voters have already spoken. Fields, trees, hiking trails, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts (while ensuring they are ADA accessible) would benefit all of us who live in Santa Monica. Thank you 11/8/2023 12:34:56 \\ Dave Rigs \\ Please do what the voters like me voted for. Park only, recreaƟon, or open space. 11/8/2023 12:57:25 \\ Kenny Fields \\ We voted for a park. It is you duty as elected officials to execute the will of the people. A great park will enhance the lives of all of those who live in Santa Monica and West LA. We see what is happening with the erupƟon of high density housing happening in DTSM and along corridors like Lincoln Bl and Santa Monica Bl. All of these new residents need open space. A great park is the answer on many levels 11/8/2023 13:00:30 \\ Donna Jensen \\ Please build a park as promised. This is what we voted for in 2014. We don’t need more housing in this area. We need more parks more green space. This is what the people voted for. Please honor their vote.
11/8/2023 14:07:32 \\ Angela Rediger \\ a park is what we negoƟated and voted for, NOT development and houses.

Santa Monica is WAY too densely packed already, and we NEED open spaces (as NYC has Central Park). Green, open areas, for public use, are ESSENTIAL for present, and future, generaƟons. SƟck with what the voters ACTUALLY voted for. 11/8/2023 14:10:20 \\ Diane Maeder \\ I urge the Council and Staff to preserve and honor of the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park, and the definiƟve 2014 Measure LC citywide vote that established Charter Amendment LC. Santa Monica needs a beauƟful park not more unwanted housing! 11/8/2023 14:54:11 \\ Katherine Reuter \\ The airport land needs to be made into a park as we voted for in 2014! LocaƟons for addiƟonal housing should come from the city areas that are zoned for housing already. 11/8/2023 15:28:17 \\ Alexis Koren \\
11/8/2023 16:46:34 \\ cheryl armon \\ Park space contributes to everyone's health. 11/8/2023 17:00:42 \\ Marisa Cox \\ More green spaces for our children, for our community and for our earth! 11/8/2023 17:25:12 \\ Wil Fluckey \\ NO MORE DEVELOPMENT...this is our land and we WANT A PARK! 11/8/2023 17:57:17 \\ Nancy Tyre \\ We voted for a park when the airport closes. We need green. 11/8/2023 19:14:38 \\ Susie Siverts \\ We need more parks, not homes! 11/8/2023 20:31:10 \\ Zachary Studin \\ Please keep the promise of converƟng the land to park. Housing would upend the community and create a traffic nightmare.
11/8/2023 20:48:46 \\ david galloway \\ PARK
11/8/2023 22:54:38 \\ Laurie Irwin \\ This was voted to be a park not housing.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
8 11/8/2023 23:28:47 \\ Una Fox \\ Please retain the promise to local residents to turn the Santa Monica airport in 2028 to a park are for all residents to enjoy. Not only is this beneficial to the community in terms of reducing more congesƟon in the area it will create a green area on the Westside of our city where we have almost zero green areas. 11/8/2023 23:29:17 \\ Francesca Bress \\ Santa Monica Airport must only become a park. No building of apartments or houses or such nonsense on it.
11/9/2023 6:00:37 \\ Lia Manzella \\ I support keeping a park. Turn it into a beauƟful botanical garden with a vegetable gardens that the community maintains with volunteers. Have you seen Arlington Garden Park? It’s a park botanical garden of volunteers with a place to sit and be at peace with nature. Check it out how there are volunteers always maintaining, because we have passion in our communiƟes. Have you seen HunƟngton Park? You can always make monies if residents live outside a certain area like HunƟngton park or we all pay like parking passes in Santa Monica.

There are plenty of ways to make monies, but no homes. Absolutely no homes!!! Keep a park for our future kids to have and save the planet ᩢᩣᩤ with a botanical gardens and vegetables gardens. Santa Monica will be beauƟful again. Charging to get into the park will keep it clean from homelessness. You will not regret turning the land into a park. Check out all the botanical gardens. And check out UCLA’s botanical gardens. How unique birds come every season during the Spring.

There are many beauƟful stories with gardens that bring life to the communiƟes. Many cannot afford to travel like myself to be with nature. Save our park! Thank you kindly. For the future generaƟons… children of our future. It’s greed if you take away the park. There are plenty of other areas for housing. Santa Monica will be a tourist spot again if you save the park! Thank you again for your full support!
11/9/2023 6:12:28 \\ Janet G Heinle \\ MAKE IT A PARK, you don't get to decide we do! 11/9/2023 7:36:49 \\ Samantha McQuaid \\ This land should only be used for Park and noƟng else. 11/9/2023 7:37:55 \\ ann knight‐schwartzman \\ Our city needs more green spaces!! 11/9/2023 7:41:21 \\ John Schwartzman \\ Keep the airport as green space, no housing. 11/9/2023 7:56:31 \\ Donna Speckman \\ It is sad that the airport will be closed down, but voters chose to do that based on the promise that it would be replaced with a park ONLY. Anything less would be a criminal to do. No to developers and no to housing in that space. If promises regarding the airport space cannot be kept, then the residents have been lied to and the airport should be leŌ alone unƟl a new plan is decided by the voters!! I live nearby and will be impacted by all of this.
11/9/2023 7:59:22 \\ Maia Sarmanian \\ A park was approved in 2014 and is sƟll approved in 2023 and 2028. We, the voters, have not changed our minds.
11/9/2023 8:07:17 \\ Mary Sanders \\ PLEASE no more construcƟon!!!! The land itself is not safe for building anything.

I’m sure the soil is highly toxic and polluted. I wish it could remain an airport. I think removing the airport is a fatal mistake.
11/9/2023 8:17:54 \\ BECKY J HENRICKSEN \\ We voted in 2014 , why overturn for greedy developers?
11/9/2023 8:18:11 \\ Charles Hoo \\ Santa Monica Airport should be developed into the park it was meant to be, not more housing and traffic.
11/9/2023 8:47:27 \\ Luna Gooding \\ NO housing on Santa Monica Airport land!! PLEASE ‐ create a PARK!! 11/9/2023 8:48:44 \\ Talia Brienza \\ Build the park and stop prioriƟzing private interests / profit over people.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
9 11/9/2023 8:52:30 \\ Linda Linham \\
11/9/2023 9:46:54 \\ Judie Wolf \\ stop overbuilding!  Fuel and noise polluƟon from the airport is ever present.  This city needs more open space.
11/9/2023 9:59:56 \\ Linda Smith \\ Please ensure the park will be built when Santa Monica Airport closes.  We do not need/want more commercial buildings,  apartments nor traffic congesƟon. 11/9/2023 10:10:43 \\ Tia TripleƩ \\ Please build a park and not housing 11/9/2023 10:12:53 \\ Gerardo Rodriguez \\ The Santa Monica airport should be intended to be used as a park the way voters voted in 2014. 20 million dollars city gets every year from the airport  is enough to fund and maintain the park. 11/9/2023 10:15:08 \\ elaine \\ As  a Santa Monica resident , I do not want this Airport  land  going to any development other than a public park space residents can all enjoy! 11/9/2023 10:27:54 \\ Gary Wolf \\
11/9/2023 10:56:08 \\ Brian Juarez \\ It amazes me how the city council conƟnues to disregards the actual residents of Santa Monica and panders to developers. As a resident for over fiŌy years, I see the same shenanigans sƟll happening, developers, train, open spaces...Chuck Allard is rolling in his grave. 11/9/2023 10:58:11 \\ ScoƩ \\ This is a once in a lifeƟme opportunity to create something wonderful for kids and families today and long into the future. Let's make it happen! 11/9/2023 11:05:15 \\ Carl Fritjofsson \\ Make this into a park. We need more green space, and trees. Not more housing. The whole city will salute you for generaƟons for this. 11/9/2023 11:12:33 \\ Elizabeth Oakes \\ This issue was voted on by ciƟzens of Santa Monica already, and the outcome supported by those in L.A. who live adjacent and are also impacted. Green, environmental, water‐absorbing spaces are needed more than ever, and that is what voters want.
11/9/2023 11:22:42 \\ Chris Leverich \\ I want the Park to be created on the SM Airport land instead of new homes. I also hope the Museum of Flying can be preserved there.
11/9/2023 11:53:18 \\ Mark Galanty \\ Open space and trees are a far greater need with global warming, then structures.  You can be a leader who created a great park, or you can be another greedy landlord.   Central Park, Golden State Park, Yosemite, all are remembered for those who leŌ us this asset.  You can repurpose the public airport for a few lucky individuals, or the world.  I say build for the world to use, and follow the 1928 plan, and what the voters asked to be placed there.  As a UC Berkeley Economics major, you will never build housing to make a dent, but you can build one great park, and make Santa Monica a leader of Parks, RecreaƟon, and Economic strength.  But build for a few, and only those few benefit.  Do the right thing for the city future, not the topic of the day. 11/9/2023 12:01:17 \\ Cat Buccellato \\ We voted for a park = give us the park. 11/9/2023 12:06:27 \\ Mary Becker \\ Please support keeping the Santa Monica Airport conversion to only park. No housing.
11/9/2023 12:21:17 \\ Daniel Seeff \\
11/9/2023 12:33:23 \\ Jason Schutzbank \\ We need a nice public park for our children and open space that's so rare in the city on this once in a lifeƟme opportunity with government land.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
10 11/9/2023 12:33:57 \\ Roberto V Vivo \\ We deserve a PARK and nothing else! Please give our children a green space to thrive. This will have a tremendously posiƟve impact today and for generaƟons to come! We want a PARK. 11/9/2023 12:40:17 \\ Joshua Strauss \\ Please do everything possible to make this into a great park, like NYC's Central Park. It'll make a profound difference in the quality of life in Santa Monica for generaƟons to come. Thank you 11/9/2023 12:49:24 \\ Victoria Jensen \\ The Santa Monica Airport land should be used exclusively for a great outdoor open area and park for the City and it's residents, not for the development of addiƟonal housing, including expensive single family residences.  Thank you!
11/9/2023 12:55:06 \\ Susie Lee \\ Santa Monica is a beauƟful city and we don’t need more traffic but we do need a place to run and play. Maybe we can even get an archery range 11/9/2023 13:08:32 \\ Susan Raudry \\ Please use the SMC airport land for it's voted and intended use in 2028: a park ‐ thank you!
11/9/2023 13:23:17 \\ Barry Day \\ I want the park.
11/9/2023 13:23:42 \\ Julie Schaeffer  \\ We need more green belts and less polluƟon. 11/9/2023 13:25:09 \\ Nick Mehra \\ We'd like to see the city of SM prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreaƟonal faciliƟes that are focused on scenarios and concepts that are centered around the idea of the site hosƟng a Great Park which include parks, public open spaces, and public recreaƟonal faciliƟes; and the maintenance and replacement of exisƟng cultural, arts and educaƟon uses. 11/9/2023 13:33:09 \\ Claire Kislinger  \\ Please turn SM Airport into a park like we voted for. No housing!!! 11/9/2023 13:39:58 \\ Jeffrey Newell \\
11/9/2023 13:50:09 \\ ScoƩ Parkin  \\ This community has suffered with noise and polluƟon from the airport for decades . We deserve a small amount of open space for people . Thank you 11/9/2023 14:16:23 \\ Craig Galloway \\ Have some balls and give us a park!! 11/9/2023 14:26:14 \\ Suellen Mayfield \\ Stop the bamboozle! As a someƟmes‐under‐the‐flight‐path airport‐adjacent ciƟzen, I embraced the concept of a green space and community gathering area nearby and was delighted to learn that it democraƟcally won approval from SantaMonicans. Don't let builders and contractors derail a hard‐fought‐for project of benefit to all. Increased housing density is both a reasonable and important goal to relieve the housing shortage and lack of  affordability in our area. But, as urban density increases due to considerable easing of building restricƟons, what parkland infrastructure can residents depend on when all the land is gobbled up by real estate? 11/9/2023 14:51:18 \\ Katrina Wassenaar \\ While I am against shuƫng down the airport at all, the closure is now a reality. Therefore, it should 100% become a park (as the voters voted for) and not become a run on development. That would be a travesty. No to development of housing, retail, corporate... anything. Just a park. Period. 11/9/2023 15:05:55 \\ James Plowden \\ Close the airport and convert to a public park as originally purposed for 2028. 11/9/2023 15:22:49 \\ taina franke \\ The city already has too many people, let's give nature the space it deserves.

Thank you
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
11 11/9/2023 15:58:21 \\ Gail Kelch \\ PLEASE do not build housing and retail aŌer the airport closes, we want a park as was originally promised. Actually I would prefer the Santa Monica Airport remain an airport but without the larger planes that currently take off!
11/9/2023 16:00:15 \\ Jim Kelch \\ Do NOT use the closing of the airport for housing and retail, please give us the park that was originally promised for the future of our families! If at all possible,  please keep the airport but for small planes only, I would prefer this!
11/9/2023 16:01:07 \\ Kyle Miller \\ I want the park.
11/9/2023 16:09:11 \\ Jane Dempsey \\
11/9/2023 17:00:52 \\ KrysƟna  trzaskowski  \\ Please save our city 11/9/2023 17:27:50 \\ Margaret Cheske \\ I live just east of the airport and fully support it being a park and not more development. We need green space in this area‐ we have so liƩle! 11/9/2023 18:22:10 \\ Liz Fujimori  \\ Walgrove /23rd and  CenƟnela are already jam packed with traffic. We don’t have the infrastructure for a bunch of condos or apartments. We were promised a park! 11/9/2023 18:26:16 \\ Kylie Kamal \\ We need parks not more houses and roads! 11/9/2023 18:30:04 \\ Bernard Alfs  \\
11/9/2023 18:45:50 \\ ChrisƟna Brawner \\ I would like to see the airport become a park perhaps a larger library, may be a health or youth center. Please  not more housing and the traffic is already horrific. We need more open land. We don't need more traffic.
11/9/2023 18:45:59 \\ Karen Jones \\ I am not a resident of Santa Monica, but was grateful to obtain a yearly tag to take my dog to the airport dog park.  We both loved it.  Many, many nights we would walk around the recreaƟonal area and loved the peace and quiet.  While housing is needed, we can't build on every open square foot.  It won't solve the problem.  Our mental and spiritual health is as important as four walls and a roof.  We must preserve open space, for all our sake.  Keep the airport as a park, for all to enjoy. 11/9/2023 18:56:39 \\ William Greene \\ Please make sure the airport is turned into a park‐ that is what we all voted for! Please do not vote for any property development, especially not CCSM, they were once my landlord and were terrible.

The worst landlord ever. I moved near the airport in 2012 and have been looking forward to a park for a long Ɵme. Santa Monica does parks very well, lean into that!
11/9/2023 19:34:21 \\ Nataliya Efremova \\ The new park ‐ is a healthy future for our kids!!! 11/9/2023 20:15:32 \\ Andrew \\
11/9/2023 20:16:11 \\ Zoe Temple \\ Park equity is crucially important in Los Angeles. Green spaces are beneficial for climate miƟgaƟon, mental health, physical health, and community cohesion. Make this land a park to protect our communiƟes!
11/9/2023 20:16:37 \\ Penny McNeil \\ Please don't compromise the Santa Monica park, it should remain enƟrely park land.
11/9/2023 20:23:40 \\ Debra Gavlak \\ I believe it is essenƟal to keep the integrity of a community. More development is not the answer to maintaining an integrity of community. Parks are integral for a healthy community.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
12 11/9/2023 20:32:21 \\ Jilla SardashƟ \\ "Hear us loud and clear one more Ɵme! This property must be dedicated to the deserving residents as a great park for all sorts of outdoor acƟviƟes.

Enough of exposing us to the poisonous jet fume for decades. Enough of catering to wealthy Westside residents who travel on private jets while the rest of us in the airport surrounding neighborhoods are subject to awful daily jet noise flying overhead . Be on the right side of the history or resign if you can’t support your real consƟtuents. " 11/9/2023 20:37:43 \\ G Parcells \\ Keep the Park as the people voted, or be voted out of office! 11/9/2023 20:41:06 \\ Sandy Tucker Otero \\ "We have become a city that is overcrowded with new apartments and businesses. Traffic is blocks long and it takes a toll on those who live here. Personally, my family avoids going anywhere between 5 and 7:00 PM because of the blocks and blocks and blocks of stand sƟll traffic.

We don’t want or need anymore apartments, our city wasn’t planned for the tremendous amount of traffic it creates.

We could learn a thing or two from Orange County.

They have a Great Park in HunƟngton Beach, where people and their pets can gather, play sports, picnic, ride bikes, hike on trails, or listen to a musical group. Cafes would be nice, but NO homes or apartments. Orange County did an incredible job. Let’s follow their lead and create a beauƟful area for our community." 11/9/2023 21:00:00 \\ Maureen McGee \\ I oppose the Great Park land for housing. The voters have spoken. 11/9/2023 21:00:45 \\ Michael Stanley \\ Please don’t put housing on the Santa Monica airport when it closes. Make it a big park. It could be the Central Park of the west coast. 11/9/2023 21:06:54 \\ Peter Chao \\ Please make the future SM Airport space a park. That’s what the original intenƟon was and should be for this neighborhood.
11/9/2023 21:09:06 \\ Kari Hanson \\ Please make SM Airport into a grand park like the voters wanted in 2014, no housing! We need more park space for our future generaƟons. Thank you! 11/9/2023 21:36:44 \\ Barbara Manzi \\ We voted for it. We deserve it! 11/9/2023 21:42:10 \\ marilyn lipton \\ Build a park No housing or commercial. 11/9/2023 22:02:39 \\ Gary W. Murphy \\ Santa Monica Airport should remain an airport with planned use of extraneous land. Smart mulƟpurpose buildings should be part of that plan. I would quesƟon if a massive green park, while lovely in concept, is the correct choice for this space. I think it is not. 11/9/2023 22:24:11 \\ Thea Piegdon \\ Please turn this property into a park once the airport closes. No to housing! Thank you!
11/9/2023 22:40:36 \\ Judy Ogren \\ A great Park!!
11/9/2023 22:40:47 \\ Lamont DuBose \\ The Great Park should be at such an elevaƟon to provide an ocean view.. 11/9/2023 22:50:04 \\ Susan Alinsangan \\ "Can you imagine what New York City would be like if they didn’t set aside land and build Central Park 165 years ago in 1858? That was the legacy New York ciƟzens leŌ for the future.

One could argue that the original intent for this land was a park.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
13 fighƟng to have our vote executed? Why is our vote valueless? Why are we a city of 91,000 who just do performaƟve voƟng?
Make this Great Park a reality. Now, and 165 years from now so our descendents will know how we voted and fought for them."
11/9/2023 23:08:14 \\ Alex Popper \\ PLEASE don't build more housing. Build a park! That's what we want and need. 11/10/2023 6:48:34 \\ Cynthia Greif‐Neill \\ We need greenery to absorb carbon & add to quality of life in urban seƫngs. 11/10/2023 7:09:20 \\ Gabrielle Carr \\ Park, no houses 11/10/2023 7:11:17 \\ Isabelle AbboƩ \\ Please use this land for a park. Or even a state park so that it can be gated and managed and not turned into a homeless encampment.
11/10/2023 7:59:25 \\ julie peppard \\ We NEED more park space. My understanding was that it was a given. If so, please don't behave like so many with power nowadays (governments, corporaƟons) and instead follow through on what you promised.
11/10/2023 8:43:57 \\ Jode Lebeda \\ We have an opportunity to giŌ beauƟful open space back to this city and its people to enjoy for, perhaps, centuries to come... Imagine the people enjoying the space, even when we're all long gone (and I'm only 38)! How incredible it must be to be in a posiƟon to make that kind of impact. Thank you! 11/10/2023 9:28:06 \\ Quinn Spencer \\
11/10/2023 9:51:36 \\ Melissa Labnow \\ Please make that land a Great Park! It is important to have that kind of space in a community and something that everyone can benefit from as parks are free to anyone 11/10/2023 9:59:43 \\ Ninel Dubrovich \\ I think a park is the best idea because we don’t have parks in the area. Parks bring people together, like in a normal city
11/10/2023 10:21:34 \\ Chloe ScoƩ \\
11/10/2023 10:21:55 \\ Morgan Harrington \\ This is such a special place for families to go. Its the calm in the middle of the storm. This land is so special and needs to be protected from becoming just another place for housing. Do not build on it!
11/10/2023 10:32:02 \\ alan russo \\ voters voted to close the airport for a great park nothing. but a great park! 11/10/2023 10:49:59 \\ Marysuniga \\
11/10/2023 12:46:50 \\ Tim Hanson \\ i spent a good part of my youth in St. Louis, MO, which is home to some of the best urban parks in the U.S. ‐‐ Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, Carondet Park, to name a few. Those parks are vital to the health and quality of life there, as The Great Park will be to Santa Monica and adjacent parts of LA. Please convert the SM Airport into a park for all to enjoy.
11/10/2023 12:55:16 \\ daniel funk \\ please respect the rights of the voters and make the sm airport into a park. do not build residenƟal housing there.
11/10/2023 13:07:39 \\ EllioƩ Derzaph \\ I have lived in Santa Monica and now 3 blocks out of Santa Monica since 1974.

My family does 95% of its acƟviƟes and business in Santa Monica. The park would be the highest aspiraƟon of its ciƟzenry and improving the quality of life for all around. Thanks for listening. 11/10/2023 13:29:15 \\ D. Gelfand \\
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
14 11/10/2023 13:43:06 \\ Carol Royce‐Wilder \\ We need a big park ‐ like NYC Central Park[ heart and soul of the city!!!! 11/10/2023 16:15:20 \\ Sandra Fong \\ "I fully support turning Santa Monica Airport into a park! I have clocked the airplane decibels near the santa monica airport at 77 decibels for twenty minute intervals several Ɵmes. I was unable to reach santa monica airport the several many Ɵmes I've called and filed complaints. We deserve something beauƟful for our community, for all to enjoy!
"
11/10/2023 16:58:28 \\ MaƩhew Hausle \\ Please do the responsible thing and protect residents desire for a Great Park and not permit developers to exploit the opportunity for profit. 11/10/2023 17:04:37 \\ Mike Sage \\ Please ensure this transforms into public parkland. 11/10/2023 17:06:46 \\ Renee Gordon \\ Let the whole area where the SM airport is be a park. 11/10/2023 19:09:18 \\ Jordan Holler, MD \\ "As a dedicated home‐owning family in Santa Monica and a surgeon deeply commiƩed to serving our community, I implore you to uphold the voters' will regarding the transformaƟon of the former airport. The potenƟal conversion of this space into a public park is not merely a maƩer of preference but a vital investment in the well‐being of our residents.

A public park offers a myriad of benefits, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community. Increased access to green spaces promotes physical acƟvity, mental well‐being, and a sense of community cohesion. As a healthcare professional, I have witnessed firsthand the posiƟve impact such environments have on overall health.

By honoring the democraƟc process and respecƟng the desires of the community, we not only enhance our quality of life but also demonstrate a commitment to collaboraƟve decision‐making. I urge the City Board to prioriƟze the long‐term health and happiness of Santa Monica residents by preserving the envisioned transformaƟon of the former airport into a public park."
11/11/2023 6:27:38 \\ ChrisƟne Thomas \\ The city needs more Oakland! 11/11/2023 7:43:46 \\ Erin Ferro \\
11/11/2023 10:30:12 \\ Karen HEARD \\ My opinion has not changed since 2014 when we voted to close the airport and plan a park, playing fields and open spaces. Please don’t let developers thwart the will of the people. It is your job to represent us, not them.
11/11/2023 12:16:49 \\ Peter Spelman \\ The voters decided in 2014 to make it a park. You have NO RIGHT ‐‐ NONE ‐‐ to override that decision and construct housing. While I agree we need housing, that parƟcular space is for one thing and one thing only: A PARK. How much plainer can this be? Follow the law, follow the voters, and stop messing this up.

We're watching, and elecƟons come again soon.
11/11/2023 13:39:21 \\ stefanie fletcher \\ Please keep the plans for a park and more nature within this concrete jungle we live in.
11/11/2023 13:39:46 \\ Andrea Ware \\ This is a once in a lifeƟme chance for generaƟons to come. Please be courageous and farsighted and do the right thing. The people deserve a grand and beauƟful park! 11/11/2023 13:42:57 \\ Antoaneta Angelova \\ Please follow the plan that voters had chosen and build a park with trees and more space for walks and relaxaƟon.
11/11/2023 14:01:35 \\ Stacey Abrams‐Sheri k \\ LC is seƩled ‐ a park is what the residents want!! ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
15 11/11/2023 15:18:00 \\ Stephanie Tainsky \\ We already fought this baƩle and expect the council to do what was decided ‐ create a park!!
11/11/2023 15:30:39 \\ George Ferrell \\ I want the airport converted to park space‐‐always have, always will.  Santa Monica does not have enough park space.  Compared to similar ciƟes in California, Santa Monica is in the lowest quarƟle of park space per capita and per square mile.  Developers are watering at the mouth to make a fortune from the airport land, and their servile SMRR stooges on the Council are slavishly ready to serve them. 11/11/2023 15:32:05 \\ Ellen Levy \\ Please honor our vote and complete The Great Park for Santa Monica! 11/11/2023 15:37:52 \\ Arlene Vaillancourt \\ taxpayers need a park where we feel safe to enjoy it with our families, no homeless encampments, no trash. A place where our children can explore safely. 11/11/2023 16:00:58 \\ Georgea Muschel \\ Yes please make the dream of SM Airport becoming a park once the airport is closed in 2028!  We need more green space with all the polluƟon around us  Thank you 11/11/2023 17:00:32 \\ Catherine BuƩerfield  \\
11/12/2023 6:46:53 \\ Elin Katz  \\ Please conƟnue unwavering support for the Great Park to replace SM Airport! NO housing. Just open space, soccer fields, recreaƟon areas, community gardens‐ an enjoyable respite from city life,  and an enlightened experience.
11/12/2023 8:34:27 \\ Nancy GOODSTEIN \\ We are already a city that is about traffic. We need community and quality of life!
11/12/2023 13:05:43 \\ Valerie Apple \\ Please give the people what they voted for, this bait and switch is totally insane and shameful. The only structures allowed on this land should be community centers or recreaƟonal faciliƟes. Parks and green spaces are the lungs of our city.
11/12/2023 13:35:00 \\ Flavia BapƟsta \\ Park park park !! 11/12/2023 14:18:54 \\ Gitu Mehra \\ We'd like to see the city of SM prohibit new development on Airport land, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreaƟonal faciliƟes that are focused on scenarios and concepts that are centered around the idea of the site hosƟng a Great Park which include parks, public open spaces, and public recreaƟonal faciliƟes; and the maintenance and replacement of exisƟng cultural, arts and educaƟon uses. 11/12/2023 19:29:56 \\ Ben Stewart \\ The neighborhood could really use a Great Park. This would be a boon to all west siders and provide valuable greenspace…something that is beneficial to the environment and lacking in our area. Please make this into a park…our kids and their kids will thank us many Ɵmes over. 11/13/2023 11:59:43 \\ Arlen Heginbotham \\ I support turning SMO into a park and not a real estate development. 11/13/2023 16:55:25 \\ Peter Thorson \\ "Dear Councilmembers, the airport property needs to be a great park only.  No residenƟal housing, no commercial or mixed use retail, a park only.  That is what the voters decided.

Thank you,
Peter"
11/13/2023 23:11:04 \\ Mitch Dorf \\ I live on 32nd just off Ocean Park. To create a city defining open space park that would be our center piece the world would recognize would be a dream come true.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
16 11/14/2023 11:31:08 \\ Solco Schuit \\ Please, our kids need more green spaces ‐ this is an amazing opportunity! 11/15/2023 8:38:24 \\ Jean Booth \\ Everyone needs some nature in their lives and nature needs some space. 11/15/2023 20:02:44 \\ Wendy Hernandez  \\ I want a park and nothing more. No buildings park only. 11/16/2023 21:01:15 \\ Joan Wilder \\ Santa Monica needs more green space, a place to hang out and relax.  Picnic benches,  tennis courts, basketball court, etc. would all be wonderful! 11/18/2023 11:19:11 \\ Kent Sayama \\ We don’t want an airport here anymore and I am will to vote for someone who feels the same way
11/19/2023 9:03:02 \\ DEnnis Steiger \\ Close the airport at the end of 2028 and create the Great Park. No other developments.
11/19/2023 15:22:32 \\ Barbara Manzi \\ We voted for it.  We deserve it! 11/22/2023 5:34:53 \\ Ann Lewis \\ Please preserve and act on (1) the original 1926 citywide vote to purchase the land for a public park, (2) the definiƟve 2014 Measure LC citywide vote that established Charter Amendment LC, and (3) the 2017 Consent Decree and 2017 City Council SMO Closure ResoluƟon No. 11026 which ensures airport closure at midnight 12/31/2028.
11/22/2023 9:24:50 \\ Sharon Croskery \\ The people wanted a park.  The people voted for a park.  They voted two Ɵmes. So do not go back and give us a park.  Thank you, Sharon 11/24/2023 9:02:08 \\ Patricia Papanek \\ NO MORE HOUSES! We need parks. 11/25/2023 7:13:49 \\ Lori PeƟƫ \\ Please build another outdoor pool at the park!  SMC is geƫng so crowded!  Thank you.
11/25/2023 7:25:58 \\ Stacey Abram’s‐Sherick \\ We need more green space, not more density… 11/25/2023 7:26:31 \\ Jack Sherick \\
11/25/2023 7:27:03 \\ Robert Sherick \\
11/25/2023 9:51:21 \\ Lorri Benson \\ We voted to make the airport a park and recreaƟonal area. We DO NOT want more congesƟon. We DO NOT want more polluƟon. We DO NOT want it to be developed in the way so much of Santa Monica has been developed‐ overcrowding, increased traffic, more crime, more problems. You have been voted into office to protect the wishes of the people, not the developers and others wishing to make money at the expense of those of us who live here. If you need to make money on this land, develop a recreaƟonal program with some opportunity to charge for use. Please honor the wishes of the taxpayers and stop entertaining ideas of building housing, keeping the airport or anything other than what we voted for‐ parks and recreaƟon. 11/25/2023 13:29:12 \\ Kathryn Cerabona \\ My vote as a local in Sunset Park is for a great park 11/25/2023 18:08:02 \\ Nancy Owens \\ We were promised a park! We want a park. 11/26/2023 8:49:04 \\ Ronald Joyal \\ The vote to make the airport a park has already been decided. Please sƟck with the plan.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
17 11/27/2023 0:26:24 \\ Polly Badt \\ please make sure that the SM Airport becomes a park.  Parks on the westside are in dire need as land has and is being quickly taken up by building. 11/27/2023 6:44:22 \\ Janet L. GuyeƩe \\ We were promised a park; we want the promise honored. 11/27/2023 7:28:59 \\ Nora Foran \\ Please keep it a beauƟful park!! We’re so excited!! 11/27/2023 8:11:06 \\ Nicola Edwards \\ "It is not your right to consider your own views over and above the decision of the  majority of residents .
"
11/27/2023 11:07:35 \\ Charleen Smith \\ It's Ɵme for the City Council to stand up and honor what the voter's want. 11/28/2023 14:08:15 \\ Kurt Larsen \\ Please sƟck with the planned park on the Santa Monica airport property. The surrounding neighborhood streets, especially 21st and 23rd streets, are already clogged with pass‐through traffic every weekday evening from 4:00 ‐ 7:00pm. AddiƟonal housing on the airport property would turn our neighborhood into a congested commuter quagmire that would ruin our property values with traffic, air, and the very noise polluƟon we voted to eliminate by closing the airport. Please give us all the beauƟful park we voted for! 11/28/2023 15:44:01 \\ Juan Palomares \\ The people of Santa Monica voted and approved this issue. Why is it coming back? Who's palms are being greased?
11/28/2023 18:13:18 \\ Sam GuyeƩe \\
11/29/2023 12:32:34 \\ Becky Turk \\ Do not allow the airport to be anything but a park. No new housing. Keep this small piece of Santa Monica open and free.
11/29/2023 12:49:18 \\ David Lindner  \\ Park it or lose your seats. Defying the will of the people is perilous within a democracy.
11/29/2023 13:59:18 \\ ChrisƟne Thomas \\
11/29/2023 14:01:52 \\ Susan Kucera \\ I support turning the Santa Monica airport into a park 11/29/2023 14:05:06 \\ Alon Benyaminy  \\ We voted to close the airport and turn it into a park and we want the park! 11/29/2023 23:39:18 \\ Janie Lee Docter \\ Please convert all of the Airport as a park as noted by the residents.  We can have our own haven similar concept as  Central Park.
12/1/2023 9:03:10 \\ D. Payne \\ It's Ɵme for poliƟcians, not just city but country wide, to start listening to the voƟng public and follow through with what the voƟng public wants, not what pads the poliƟcians pockets. How many commercial units are empty at this Ɵme in Santa Monica? Think high speed rail. 12/2/2023 7:51:02 \\ Jeannine Oppewall \\ Why replace the traffic hazards of an airport with even the greater hazards of on the ground congesƟon?
12/2/2023 8:35:02 \\ Nicola ScoƩ \\ We voted for a park. That’s what we need and should have. 12/2/2023 8:58:20 \\ Sam McGarry \\ We need more green space.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
18 12/2/2023 9:38:30 \\ Ari Nadelman \\ The only reason I voted to shut down the Santa Monica Airport was to convert it to a park. Not condos, not single family residences, not apartment buildings, not offices or commercial space. Park. Open space park land. Non‐traffic generaƟng, open park space. Otherwise, let's just keep it as the Airport it is now. You had my vote for a park. Nothing else.
12/2/2023 9:45:23 \\ Megan FitzGerald \\ This is what we voted for, this is what the city wants! 12/2/2023 11:27:30 \\ Margaret Rubin \\ A park is what Santa Monica needs! 12/2/2023 11:47:31 \\ Susan Vandebunt \\ The airport should be used as a wonderful park space that could be used for recreaƟon, fesƟvals, concerts, etc.
12/2/2023 15:49:05 \\ Kurt Gary \\ Make the airport into a park. 12/2/2023 19:47:51 \\ Anita Famili \\ Close the airport and make it a great park! 12/2/2023 20:43:16 \\ Lisa johansson \\ Please, if at all feasible, make at least part if the airport a public park. 12/3/2023 12:44:23 \\ Allan Goldrath` \\ We want a park! 12/4/2023 13:05:28 \\ Tina \\ SƟck to the voters' understanding that a great park will be replacing the airport. We voted for a great park. We expect a great park. The people living in dense housing developed in SM and surrounding areas must have recreaƟon and open space.A great park will be significant for them and anyone without immediate access to outdoor space. Furthermore, long distance migraƟng wild birds need a place for resƟng on their journey north and south. Santa Monica is in a direct migraƟon pathway. Our city must provide suitable habitat given all the buildings here that don't. A world without birds is a world consumed by insects. It is in our best interest to provide bird habitat. Our city should be partnering with the US fish and Wildlife Service's urban bird treaty program. hƩps://www.fws.gov/story/2023‐ 08/2023‐urban‐bird‐treaty‐program‐funds‐community‐based‐projects‐2023 This should be part of our plan for the park. 12/4/2023 13:17:49 \\ Alison Megliola \\ I voted to close the airport so that we can build a beauƟful park that all the residents can enjoy. I've been a SM resident for 10 years now, moving from New York City. I thought moving here would mean more greenery and outdoor spaces, but that's not true. This community needs a "Central Park." Santa Monica residents deserve a "Central Park." One with lots of trees for shade, walking/running paths, playgrounds, and areas for cultural acƟviƟes and recreaƟon.
12/4/2023 19:23:55 \\ Pamela Nabel \\ What our city needs more of are community spaces. We want a park! 12/5/2023 9:20:42 \\ Meaghan Ryan \\ Residents voted for the airport to be converted to a park. I expect you to honor that vote and only install a park. Anything else would be fraud and decepƟon on the part of the city council. 12/6/2023 10:54:54 \\ Brent Cohen \\ The people of Santa Monica have consistently voted for and supported turning the airport into a park and valued community space. We expect our elected officials to do the same. 12/7/2023 16:18:43 \\ Adrian Harewood \\ Your consƟtuency wants this, please get it done! Thank you. 12/8/2023 14:55:04 \\ Alex Novakovich \\ We need more open space in Santa Monica. We voted to make airport land a park. This is the only opƟon the city should be considering. 12/9/2023 7:16:08 \\ Jesus Gonzalez \\
12/9/2023 7:27:10 \\ Karen Pinto \\ Get out of the developers' pockets and do the right thing.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
19 12/9/2023 7:52:00 \\ Arthur Kummer \\ Please build a great park with the whole airport property. 12/9/2023 9:06:09 \\ John MachƟnger  \\ Dear Council, please respect the vote of the ciƟzens, and do not develop the airport land into anything other than a park or other non‐commercial use. 12/9/2023 9:12:05 \\ John  \\
12/9/2023 9:56:59 \\ Larry Birstock \\
12/9/2023 10:25:02 \\ Lisa Test \\ Would love to have open space...clean. safe. No homeless 12/9/2023 11:18:58 \\ Diane SabaƟni \\ Please remain commiƩed to transforming the airport to a park as my fellow residents and I voted for in 2014!
12/9/2023 11:29:46 \\ Denise Bachman \\ We voted for a great park and that is what we expect to get. Do not let the special interest groups who want to keep an airport there sway you from your duty to enact the clearly expressed opinions of the people living in the neighborhood !
12/9/2023 11:53:12 \\ Ellen Levy \\ "Santa Monica needs a big park. Some many people enjoy Clover Park; it would be wonderful to expand it big Ɵme!
Thank you,
Ellen"
12/9/2023 13:43:27 \\ Marilyn Harris \\ Respect what the voters want!  Please DO NOT approve more housing for any part of this property!!!  More importantly,  I’m also concerned about not having small aircraŌ availability to land during an emergency crisis once the airport is removed.
12/9/2023 16:05:19 \\ Nathan Tippe \\ Excited for the park, as voted in 2014 12/9/2023 18:16:58 \\ Ann Bowman \\ Please honor this land's origin as a park funded and built with a parks bond.  It was not originally an airport.  Let's restore this park together!  THANKS!! 12/9/2023 20:19:18 \\ Aray Kadish \\ "
Make it a park"
12/11/2023 9:57:28 \\ Tregg Rustad \\ I live in Sunset Park and voted for the airport to be closed and turned into a park.

This is what all of us that voted for expects. Please do what the voters want...make it a park, and only a park. 12/11/2023 11:20:56 \\ Warren Allen \\ We voted for PARKLAND ‐ not more housing. Please honor that. 12/11/2023 22:08:51 \\ Fred Kipperman \\ We have a generaƟonal opportunity here to make Santa Monica the best city in California‐‐let's leverage the green space into wellbeing, sustainability, and an example for ciƟes throughout the world. 12/14/2023 16:24:06 \\ Alvin Crown \\ Please prioriƟze OPEN PARK SPACE. Not housing developments. Not commercial development. NO JETS.
12/14/2023 16:37:43 \\ Eric \\
12/14/2023 16:43:00 \\ Chloe ScoƩ \\ we want a park not more jets! 12/14/2023 16:44:23 \\ Janet G Heinle \\ Park
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
20 12/14/2023 16:53:26 \\ Alexis Koren \\
12/14/2023 16:54:04 \\ Jeannine Oppewall \\ I'd rather keep the airport than turn the area into condos, shopping, offices, etc. The traffic from those kinds of development would render the area unmanageable. No one will be able to move around. The traffic now is unbearable. It can take up to 20 minutes just to get out of Dewey St. onto Walgrove. 12/14/2023 17:04:13 \\ Josh Newman \\ Please keep the focus on the development of an internaƟonally recognized park space.
12/14/2023 17:28:58 \\ Michael Pelleƫeri \\ For those of us on the LA end of the airport, we get all of the negaƟve impacts but have no vote in the maƩer. Please make the park a reality! 12/14/2023 17:29:51 \\ Igor Meglic \\ Let's make this park for our kids sake...Please vote for the park and only the park.

Thank you!
12/14/2023 18:05:08 \\ john londono \\ a park instead of an airport is the only way to go! 12/14/2023 18:08:13 \\ Melanie Merians \\ The people of Santa Monica already voted, and you were voted in on a promise, to completely halt operaƟons of the airport in Santa Monica and turn the current airport land into a park. Why is this even being discussed again?  It's outrageous that a greedy few could possibly derail what has already been voted upon and approved!
12/14/2023 18:53:20 \\ Simona Garon \\ "Dear Council Members I am wriƟng to express my opinion as Santa Monica resident to please keep it simple and focus on a park developed by Sasaki firm. Focus on the park already voted for twice by Santa Monica residents, both past and present. Any uses not specified in LC will require another ballot measure. We voted in 2014 to close the airport to finally build the park. Let's get to it! Thanks!"
12/14/2023 19:21:56 \\ Sujata BhaƩ \\ Please move forward with park planning. 12/14/2023 19:46:23 \\ E Arias \\ Keep the promise as outlined in Measure LC. Change out the damn asphalt for a GREEN PARK.
12/14/2023 20:06:12 \\ Margi Cheske \\ I urge the City Council to move ahead and begin planning the Great Park that was voted on and overwhelmingly approved. This is a moment in Santa Monica (and LA) history that will be remembered for generaƟons.
12/14/2023 20:28:58 \\ Howard Wolfe \\ On border of SM use of airport affects me, would like the park. 12/14/2023 21:14:38 \\ Betsy Katz \\ Per  Measure LC passed in 2014, the airport is scheduled to close in 2028 and be replaced by the Great Park. I urge you to direct Sasaki to focus on a plan for a park only—not housing or any other non‐ park uses. We’ve waited a long Ɵme for this. Thank you. 12/14/2023 23:12:26 \\ David Abramis \\ Focus on the park already voted for twice by Santa Monica residents, both past and present. No commercial business.  All *park*.
12/15/2023 1:47:18 \\ Joe Schmitz \\ "The Airport is dangerous!  AviaƟon safety is compromised and hidden from residents, senior City officials, and City Council members.  This is a maƩer of record.

The noise harms residents' health. Conclusive scienƟfic evidence from the EU over the past decades demonstrates increased mortality and morbidity CAUSED by aviaƟon noise well below thresholds deemed safe by ""our"" FAA.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
21 Damage from ultra fine air parƟculates from the Airport CAUSES increased death and disability.

Microscopic microscopic lead parƟcles CAUSE OUR CHILDREN brain damage ‐ both IQ and lack of impulse control.

As long as ANY part of the Airport 227 acres is used for aviaƟon / drones, we will be subject to FAA control and the unending mulƟmillion lawsuits that have plagued the City for half a century." 12/15/2023 4:04:53 \\ Lisa Detamore \\ Please keep it simple and keep it to what we voted for. I remember geƫng harassed when we voted last Ɵme by people who didn’t live in SM telling lies to get us to vote for the airport. That is not in the best interest of the long standing ciƟzens that voted to get rid of the airport. 12/15/2023 10:03:56 \\ Randall Klarin \\ Support the people, support health, and support the environment. 12/15/2023 10:21:26 \\ Stephan HewiƩ \\ Please focus upon geƫng the park for Santa Monica that the residents have already voted for TWICE. Thank you.
12/15/2023 11:55:48 \\ Patrick Seeholzer \\ Get the park planned and built please!!!!! 12/15/2023 19:08:41 \\ Jom David \\ "We want green open space! Walking trails. Trees. A SM “Central Park” /“Golden Gate”
Check out Berlin. Tempelhofer Feld—‐ NO apartments or businesses! No DEVelopment.

GREEN OPEN SPACE. "
12/15/2023 20:38:13 \\ ChrisƟne Hardin \\ Please respect Measure LC and move forward with plans for the Great Park. 12/15/2023 20:38:58 \\ Laura Kaiser \\ Stop the madness! Return the loaned land to park land in 2028. 12/16/2023 7:14:40 \\ David Gilmore \\ I want the airport property used only as a public park. 12/16/2023 7:29:13 \\ Tamra Raven \\ Park! No more market rate housing. Please stop overdeveloping. 12/16/2023 7:49:06 \\ Robert Kersey \\ Voted for closing in belief the land would be converted to a park ‐ all the land. 12/16/2023 7:58:39 \\ Catherine Lerer \\
12/16/2023 8:04:19 \\ Lori PeƟƫ \\ Please convert the airport to a park for the residents of Santa Monica! Thank you 12/16/2023 8:17:47 \\ Joe Pertel \\ Please move forward on plans to close the airport and replace it with a Great Park as originally intended by the residents in 1926 when bond funds were used to create a park. 12/16/2023 8:17:47 \\ Steve Chinn \\ A grand park would make SM one of the best ciƟes for living 12/16/2023 9:55:25 \\ Tim Lynch \\ We live by SM airport. It’s Ɵme to do what we’ve lobbied for and voted for. Make it a green space NOT housing.
12/16/2023 10:14:54 \\ Jorge Pardo \\ WE VOTED FOR A OPEN SPACE/PARK! 12/16/2023 10:36:58 \\ Reid Thompson \\ The damage of jet fuel spreading across our fair city from this anachronisƟc air field must sunset like the internal combusƟon engine. Private jet travel damages the environment and is only for the ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
22 rich. Close down this airport as has been promised. Dirty carbon from plane takeoffs lands in the backyards where our children play. Finish what was promised. More public parks less private air travel. 12/16/2023 10:55:17 \\ Eileen Tunick \\ WE have been fighƟng this endless baƩle for the 44 years, I've owned a home on Santa Monica! When will we get the park we voted for?? 12/16/2023 12:08:47 \\ Cheryl Armon \\ We need more open space. 12/16/2023 12:42:01 \\ Denise Bachman \\ Stop trying to subvert the expressly stated wishes of your consƟtuents to push through the agendas of special interests who want to conƟnue making money building anything other than the great park on the airport lands. We voted. You KNOW the wishes of the residents of Santa Monica is for a real great park like Golden Gate in SF or Central Park in New York. Let's be the forward moving environmentally responsible city we claim to be and plant trees and make a natural environment out of a concrete desert. Do the right thing!!!! 12/16/2023 13:50:18 \\ Karla Klarin \\ Please close the airport, the jets and prop planes fly right over our house.

Enough!  We need a park!!! Thank you
12/16/2023 15:00:54 \\ Frans Klinkenberg \\ Please please sƟck to our wishes as indicated 12/16/2023 16:51:46 \\ Kari Hanson \\ "Please do not delay! Turn the airport into a Great Park! Not housing, offices, businesses, etc.!         We voted and we should have our park! For us and the future generaƟons! Thank you!!!"
12/16/2023 18:54:34 \\ Joanne Cohen \\ Please close the airport and build the park, stop looking at other opƟons 12/16/2023 22:34:57 \\ Mark Schubb \\ We voted for a park.  The city should NOT be conducƟng any planning process or "exploraƟon" of developing the site for addiƟonal housing or commercial use. 12/16/2023 23:45:07 \\ Eileen Tunick \\ "As a 44 year Santa Monica homeowner and prior to that renter in Santa Monica, I am sƟll waiƟng to get our park and not a commercial development and/or giant apartment buildings.  We voted and won‐‐‐ a promised a park.

No aƩempts to alter or postpone what we legiƟmately won at the ballot box will be acceptable." 12/17/2023 9:02:12 \\ Paola Levenson \\ Please keep your promises! 12/17/2023 11:29:39 \\ Lou Ssutu \\ Thank you for your support of the overwhelming number of Santa Monica voters who support that the land be used exclusively for a much needed community park. 12/17/2023 11:36:30 \\ Mike Sage \\ "Please support any and all efforts to make our Great Park a reality.

Thanks"
12/17/2023 11:37:30 \\ Elizabeth Van Denburgh \\ The “airport” space was originally purchased via a park bond and planned to be a park. With the advent of war its purpose was redirected. With Santa Monica being at the boƩom of California ciƟes’ park space per resident i.e. park poor; we need to return this space for the well being and park usage that it was originally designed for. Do the right thing for residents’ and make this property into a park and green space to support future generaƟons’ quality life and health.
12/17/2023 11:41:34 \\ Daniel Reyman \\ Please give us the beauƟful park we voted for.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
23 12/17/2023 11:43:17 \\ Gregg Chadwick \\ "On Tuesday you have an opportunity to lead the city of Santa Monica into a bright and healthy future by voƟng for Sasaki Associates to restore the park land bought and voted for in 1926 and 2014 as the great park it is meant to be.
"
12/17/2023 11:48:35 \\ Cris Armstrong \\ Give us what we voted for 12/17/2023 11:48:58 \\ Alexis Koren \\
12/17/2023 11:51:48 \\ Chris Toussaint \\ The polluƟng jets and helicopters over my house has to stop. A park is what we need.
12/17/2023 11:54:37 \\ Sam McGarry \\ We need more green space please convert the land into a park 12/17/2023 12:00:24 \\ Mary Suniga  \\
12/17/2023 12:18:10 \\ Victor Norman \\ The City Council has delayed, prevaricated, and tried to bury perhaps the most important acƟon it can take to ensure SM's quality of life.  It is Ɵme to stop kowtowing to developers, air transport companies, and other non‐resident parƟes who want to maintain the illegal conƟnuaƟon of their operaƟons.  The vast majority of residents want this airport permanently shut down and dedicated to the community's enjoyment.  You must take acƟon at your meeƟng on 12/20/23 to show your commitment to the well‐being of the people who voted for you expecƟng you to move the closure to compleƟon.  If you conƟnue status quo, there are enough of us prepared to make you do so by any legal means at our disposal.  We hope it will come to this: it is your choice. 12/17/2023 12:19:55 \\ Asa Greenberg  \\
12/17/2023 12:20:57 \\ Asa Greenberg  \\ Santa Monica has a chance to be a leader in evo friendly recreaƟonal place making. We owe it to LA to give this a shot!
12/17/2023 12:30:46 \\ Iris Souza \\ Please make the new airport park ONLY a park ‐ no business or housing!  Thanks. 12/17/2023 12:32:11 \\ David Abramis \\ Make the new airport park ONLY a park ‐ no busineses and no housing!  Thank you!
12/17/2023 13:12:58 \\ Steve Novak \\ Please close the SMO and convert it into a park. This is what we voted to have done in 2014 with Measure LC.
12/17/2023 13:36:59 \\ Karen Pinto  \\
12/17/2023 13:47:31 \\ Jennifer Field \\ A park is the only opƟon for the airport moving forward,. Please stop entertaining there could be another.
12/17/2023 14:00:06 \\ Doug Allenstein \\ I voted for each and every one of you and have always trusted that when the Ɵme came you’d move forward with the park we’ve been promised (and have also voted for). Thank you. 12/17/2023 14:42:57 \\ William Fordes \\ "Dear City Council Members:

There is no such thing as a great city without a great park. The voters in their overwhelming support of Prop LC recognized that and have directed you to build that great park. Please follow their direcƟve and fulfill the law by direcƟng your staff and planners to proceed with the great park.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
24 Bill Fordes
2308 27th St"
12/17/2023 14:49:21 \\ Taryn Fordes \\ Please honor the will of the people and what we overwhelmingly voted for: A Great Park.
12/17/2023 14:50:48 \\ Elin Katz \\ Please support a Great Park! Support mental health for generaƟons to come. Thank you.
12/17/2023 15:12:07 \\ Joy AbboƩ \\ "I am a housing advocate, but i hope the Council does the right thing (as we'd voted on years ago) to close the Airport for re‐use as for open parks. What a legacy that would be! I specifically oppose a ""mixed commercial use/housing"" soluƟon that developers are pushing for the Airport parcel. " 12/17/2023 15:42:29 \\ Natalie Greenberg \\ "As a Santa Monica homeowner and business owner, I wrote to ask that you
please give our community the park space it so badly needs! Let's find a way to build an eco friendly, fun recreaƟonal and community space.

Let's build a park where we can share our Ɵme together. Let's build a place where kids can enjoy playing. Let's build outdoor cooking spaces, cultural spaces (like an amphitheater? Art displays/installaƟons), and educaƟonal spaces.

Give the people what they voted for: A Great Park. let's build the next Central Park or Griffith Park ‐‐ IN WEST LA.

Give the kids of many generaƟons a park and memories they will cherish for their lifeƟmes and the lifeƟmes of their children as well.

The future can be brighter and someone has to lead to make it happen.

Thanks for your consideraƟon,
Sincerely, Natalie Greenberg "
12/17/2023 17:09:55 \\ Robert Street \\ "My family moved a block away from the airport in 1976 when I was 15. We raised 3 daughters here. We are sƟll here. This neighborhood has been special to us even with all the noise and issues that come with living next door the airport. If the airport is truly closing aŌer all these years, then please honor the commitment to pursue a park for the community and resist the pressure from development interests. Please! Thank you,
Robert E. Street "
12/17/2023 19:42:46 \\ Michael Osment \\ "Please do the right thing as stay on plan with the plan of a Great Park, the ciƟzens voted by a huge margin to transform this airport that is polluƟng us and our children into a park with clean air and area to meet and play. No more housing, no more talk of it! Please do as we the ciƟzens of Santa Monica have voted for! Keep the plans for a park. "
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
25 12/17/2023 22:35:09 \\ Ose Dalldorf \\ "I am deeply concerned that the City of Santa Monica is considering plans for usage of the SM Airport land ( once it is closed for aviaƟon ) that are in direct violaƟon of the legal vote results of the SM residents.it is all very clearly stated, I don't need to repeat, everybody is informed.

1. it is illegal to ignore a vote by the people.

2. It is a deeply un‐democraƟc move to try to manipulate the text in a way to make room for special interests and trample on the very clear meaning of the decision.

3. It is also clearly in violaƟon of transparency in a democraƟc process.

4. Finally : IT IS HIGHLY IMMORAL !"
12/18/2023 7:43:16 \\ Richard King \\ Please do what the ciƟzens want. 12/18/2023 8:05:21 \\ Tia TripleƩ \\
12/18/2023 8:56:23 \\ Sally allen \\ Please insure that our residents will have a safe, healthy park. No housing or business development! Show that the council speaks for the people not the business or developer interests. 12/18/2023 10:53:16 \\ Charleen Smith \\ Please don't waste our money exploring other opƟos for the airport land.

Vote to enact plans for the Great Park as we voted.
12/18/2023 15:07:32 \\ Laurie Rocha \\ The Santa Monica airport should be a park for Santa Monica. We already voted for it in LLC.
12/18/2023 15:24:50 \\ Ellis Kirschenbaum \\ Keep the land planned as a park. Likely forever, certainly unƟl aŌer 2028 deadline passes.
12/18/2023 16:42:21 \\ Eric Garner \\ Please proceed with planning for a park. 12/18/2023 18:08:33 \\ JeaneƩe Schachtner \\ I support the restoraƟon of a Grand Park once the airport closes. What we do NOT need is more development, cars trips associated with development, development that demands more water and electricity use, or development that generates more refuse. We are already a very dense city, and our infrastructure cannot support more development. Just drive around the city and witness the traffic. It’s impossible to park and our local businesses are dying as a result. Nobody wants to come to Santa Monica to shop anymore because it’s so difficult to get around. Please give us a park that gives all the apartment dwellers and homeowners a place to go to enjoy the outdoors.

We deserve it!
12/18/2023 18:21:47 \\ Jay Abramowitz \\ I insist that Santa Monica Airport be closed as planned! 12/18/2023 19:20:45 \\ David Klass \\ SM must not fund or start any development process prohibited by Measure LC, nor should the City iniƟate a ballot measure or explore land uses that would allow prohibited uses under Measure LC. 12/18/2023 23:36:51 \\ Jay Smith \\ Please use the airport land only for a great park and not affordable housing. There are plenty of other locaƟons for more housing.
12/19/2023 9:00:40 \\ James Lloyd‐Smith \\ Please follow through on the community's clear wish to have this space converted to a park and public ameniƟes. Measure LC placed a clear restricƟon on any development process without prior approval ‐‐ please honor that referendum's result. 12/19/2023 9:41:49 \\ Bill Sundblad \\ We want the park.

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Mary Hubbell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Item 11-A

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and City Council members;
I am writing to urge you to restore the Airport land to its originally intended use, a Great Park.

I understand that it is likely that Sasaki Associates will be supporting the City and the residents in the process of creating this Great Park. Be sure to direct them to avoid any plans that would require a ballot measure before the 12/31/2028 Airport closure date. Support the intention of LC passed by voters and create a park, public open spaces, public recreation facilities, and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, ares, and education uses. This means NO housing development on this site.

It's shocking to learn that Santa Monica has less acres of park and public open spaces per resident than other cities our size. This needs to be corrected.

Sincerely,
Mary Hubbell
Ocean Park
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ben <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SMO: SMCC Meeting 12-19-2023 -- Item 11A. Sasaki Direction and Guiding Principles Attachments: Map of Park Land and Adjacent Lands 12-19-23.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members, here and attached is a Map of the Park Land and Adjacent Lands. Most of the land is already occupied by building and structures. Please keep the land protected from development by Measure LC only for uses already approved. And please do not explore uses that would require another ballot measure. Thank you. --Ben ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
Map of Park Land and Adjacent Lands
Santa Monica Business Park - 60 acres
● Privately owned land and buildings
● Not protected from development by Measure LC
Protected Public Land - 187 acres
● Land to be released by FAA upon airport closure
● Protected from development by Measure LC
● $20 million annual non-aviation lease revenue
SMC Bundy Campus
10 acres
● Santa Monica College land
● Not protected from
development by Measure LC
Runway and Taxiways
60 acres
● Core park land without existing
buildings and structures
Existing Park Expansion
12 acres
● Non-aviation land
● Plans and EIR approved
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ellen Mark <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport Importance: High

EXTERNAL
TO: Mayor Brock and City Council members
Staff Report:
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com//Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1385&MediaPosition =&ID=6091&CssClass=
1) I urge you to direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario, that would require a ballot measure before Santa Monica Airport closes on December 31, 2028.

Measure LC ballot language:

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Uses that are not allowed by Measure LC could be explored incrementally later on, after Airport closure on December 31, 2028, and after a baseline park plan is established.

Again, please direct city staff and Sasaki Associates to avoid triggering another ballot measure. 2) I also support the staff recommendation to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project, focused on a "Great Park."
As a reminder, the City of Santa Monica had a "Great Park" on what is now Airport land from 1927 to 1941. So the goal is actually "park restoration.”
Sincerely,
Ellen Mark
Resident and former FOSP Board member
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ralph Mechur <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am in full support of your approving the contract on tonight's agenda to engage Sasaki Associates, Inc. for services for a robust Community outreach Process, Visioning Services and Concept Design for the Airport Conversion Project.

It is important that the process is open to review all ideas members of the community may propose so that the resultant plan is forward thinking and sustainable.

Santa Monica has a great opportunity to prepare a community‐based future for over 200 acres. It should certainly include open space commensurate with the our needs, reuse of many existing facilities, and forward‐thinking uses that will help the City to reach its aspirations..
‐‐
Ralph Mechur
Ralph Mechur Architects
3400 Airport Avenue, #5
Santa Monica, CA 90405
o: 310‐398‐2940
m: 310‐721‐1254
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Joanne Berlin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 12:36 PM
To: Reginald St Claire
Cc: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis
Subject: Re: Agenda Item 11A

EXTERNAL
I fully endorse the letter sent below and hope all of the city council members see the importance of the points made about the urgent need for more truly affordable housing.

Thank you articulating it so well, Hajar.

Joanne Berlin, member of the CRJ Housing Committee
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 19, 2023, at 11:34 AM, Hajar Muqtasid St. Claire <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete and Council, I am writing to support a full process of item 11.

Communities that have disenfranchised low wage essential workers will argue that we have done our part to provide enough housing units but most housing developments are market rate and not affordable unless you and your household make over 150k a year! We must do our part to stop social and wage segregation and apartheid by providing additional affordable housing. We have a chance to build in designated areas around the airport especially south of Airport and the northeast corner which is jointly owned by Los Angeles County.

The planning process for the future of the airport should be open to all ideas, and not entirely focused on a park. The airport acreage is ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 over 200 acres. We could very well build a Great Park like in Irvine but affordable housing for seniors, veterans, disabled, low wage essential workers, SMMUSD classified workers and teachers, and people pushed out by eminent domain and the 10 freeway needs to be prioritized NOW.

Thank you,
Hajar Muqtasid

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 12:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: (12/19/23 Council Meeting) Written Comment Regarding Item 11A Attachments: RE Item 11A - Santa Monica Daily Press.pdf From: Kabir Chopra <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:11 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Cc: Gleam Davis <[email protected]>; Phil Brock <[email protected]>; Christine Parra <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Caroline Torosis <[email protected]>; Oscar de la Torre <[email protected]>
Subject: (12/19/23 Council Meeting) Written Comment Regarding Item 11A

EXTERNAL
To City Council,

Please see attached .pdf from today's issue of the Santa Monica Daily Press.

I submit the following attachment, a letter to the editor at Santa Monica Daily Press about Item 11A on today's meeting agenda, as public comment. In addition to supporting staff’s recommendation for Sasaki and the process for community engagement as described in the Staff Report, I ask this Council to explore all options for the Airport Conversion Project. I want the Council to allow all voices to be heard in an open and inclusive process, and to include a requirement for outreach to every neighborhood in Santa Monica.

Thank you.

Kabir Chopra
Santa Monica Resident
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
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Opinion
RE: Item 11A
by Guest Author December 19, 2023 ! x
Editor:

Am I reading this right (I might not be)? Does Item 11A on the City Council Meeting Agenda fail to include a phase that compels Sasaki Consultants, Inc. to get feedback from every neighborhood in our city about the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project? How can we decide the best option for the Airport’s 227 acres if the City’s consultant isn’t required to get opinions from a holistic sample of residents and find out what Santa Monica really wants and needs from airport land? Don’t miss out!
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Could it be that certain members of the City Council are once again obeying the orders coming from the vocal residents of Sunset Park to stack the deck in their favor? On 10/10/23, Council Members Brock, De La Torre, Parra, and Negrete naively rejected a proposal to reach out to the entire Santa Monica community—Sunset Park and beyond —through an innovative randomized public lottery system to make sure every Santa Monica neighborhood had an equal say during this process. Back then, as here, it seems these council members are opting to give a microphone to already loud voices rather than figuring out what our city, as a whole, should do with airport land. Openended meetings and outreach about airport land will attract the most motivated residents to voice their opinions. And Sunset Park residents are understandably motivated about this topic because (1) their neighborhood is closest to the Airport, and (2) property owners in the area will make a lot of money if the City chooses the “Great Park Only” option they want for airport land. Let’s be real: a “Great Park” will immediately and dramatically increase Sunset Park property values, whether it is the best option for the city or not. And this is a totally fine proposal, even if non-Sunset Park residents, like myself, disagree with it. In a democracy, people can advocate for whatever they want, including proposals based on total self-interest and financial gain as many Sunset Park residents are doing here.

But what about reimagining airport land to really benefit the entire community? How about development that addresses child care shortages, or community gathering spaces, or a new library. Or, heaven forbid, the City looks into using airport land to address Santa Monica’s stifling housing problems! Maybe these aren’t good options either, but the City Council should enact measures to ensure everyone in the community participates in this process to bring forth all of our ideas. It isn’t right to have a process that blatantly favors the loudest voices in the room to make such a monumental decision for our entire community.
“Great Park Only” residents will likely say Measure LC, passed back in 2014, only permits the City Council to approve the development of parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities, and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts, and education uses on airport land. They will also say, “everyone voted for a park, so that is what everyone should get.” However, these same residents know Measure LC allows airport land to be used for something other than a “Great Park” if residents vote for it via election. Personally, I voted for Measure LC in order to reject Measure D, which would have left Santa Monica with an airport forever. Many Measure LC voters, like myself, only backed the imperfect Measure LC because it also says potential non-park uses of airport land are possible if/when voters approve it. Let’s not forget this important provision.

The process described in the Staff Report for Item 11A affords the City Council two chances to evaluate options before making a decision. To make a truly informed decision, the City Council should make sure everyone has had a chance to speak and understands the issues. More information is better than less! And, I reckon, ALL Santa Monica voters can be trusted to select the best option for airport land, if it comes down to an election.

If the City Council approves Item 11A, they must make sure the public process is open and focused on the entire city. They should simultaneously demand that Sasaki Consultants, Inc. research every viable proposal for airport land from a holistic sample of residents, even those that will ultimately require voter approval. Otherwise, our City Council is potentially using our government to undermine public discourse and favor Sunset Park’s interests over the interests of the City as a whole. And that is unacceptable.

Kabir Chopra, Santa Monica
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Santa Monica's trusted source of essential news for 22 years Support Us Sign In News Government Education Business Opinion Life + Arts Sports Most Loved 2023 ‘Tis the Season 2023 Events ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: susan goodman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 12:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: santa monica airport

EXTERNAL
as a santa monica resident and nature lover l am outraged that you would consider a huge development on the sm airport site.
l remember that the site would become an open space which is definitely needed in santa monica
what we don't need is more development.
a concerned santa monica resident
Susan Goodman
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Nancy Duresky <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 2:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: item 11A

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I want to strongly, very strongly ask you to tell Sasaki Associates to NOT include any development of building or anything that is not a park on the airport land. NOTHING ELSE!
During LC, I work very hard to get out the vote and educate the public to have the airport turned into a park. Those of us that worked on this meant all of the airport ‐‐ every inch. It will cheapen our effort and cheapen the way Santa Monica respects voters if a large part or any part of the airport land is given away even for something as worthy as homeless housing.

We need to find other spaces within the city for homeless housing, or anything else.

If we take away some of our future park for other uses, I will be very, personally disappointed. I don't mind bathrooms, or a small building to house soccer nets and things like that, but nothing else. I myself am hoping for an archery range.

I have lived next to the airport for 35+ years. Airport noise has been my 'neighbor' for all this time, sometimes waking me up at night. Please do not let me down. Please do not allow any development on the airport land except for park and park related items.

Thank you, Nancy J Duresky
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Adam Gross <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 2:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: 12/19/23 agenda item 11-A -- Future of Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
As a Santa Monica resident, I want agenda item 11‐A to stay faithful to Measure LC. Santa Monica voters approved Measure LC which allows parks, recreational facilities, and cultural uses on the airport. It didn't approve commercial or residential development. Sasaki Associate should stay faithful to these uses and not explore unapproved uses that will drive another costly ballot measure.

Sincerely,
Adam Gross
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Robert Lipman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 5:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: ITEM 11A

EXTERNAL
Hello‐
I emphaƟcally request that you direct Sasaki Associates to AVOID any land uses, in any scenario that would require a ballot measure before SM Airport closes on 12/31/2028. I do NOT want to have to go through another Measure LC! Please only approve items such as parks, public open spaces, etc.

Please also support the staff recommendaƟon to hire a Principal Design and Planning Manager for the Airport Conversion project, focussed on a “Great Park!”
Thank you!
rml
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: James Donaldson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 5:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11A

EXTERNAL
12/19/2023
Dear Mayor Brock,
I wanted to let you know that I was one of the many volunteers that helped pass out flyers to every resident in the City of Santa Monica to help get Measure LC passed.

We got Measure LC passed because of all the problems that the residents in Santa Monica and Los Angeles and Venice had from the jet traffic and the helicopters and other aircraft that flew in and out of Santa Monica Airport. There was a lot of air pollution and noise twenty hours a day that the residents in all the communities were exposed to.

Thanks to the many City Council members and airport staff and the Santa Monica City Attorneys Office over the years in the past that helped get LC passed. They understood what the citizens in Santa Monica and the citizens in the other city's surrounding Santa Monica Airport were exposed to everyday day from the jet traffic and the helicopters and other aircraft that flew in and out at Santa Monica Airport.

I hope that you will give the people what they wanted when they passed Measure LC. A great park.

Santa Monica Airport was to close in 2015 and after Santa Monica finally won all of their court cases against the FAA, they were told they could close the Santa Monica Airport in 2028. Alot of people were upset at the FAA agreeing to let the City of Santa Monica close the airport and they asked the FAA representative why they agreed to let Santa Monica close it in 2028 and he said because 2028 is a long way away and things can change between now and 2028 and council members and residents can change over the years and he's hoping that will help keep the airport open in 2028.

The other reason the FAA agreed to let the City of Santa Monica close the airport in 2028 was because they were afraid that court case would set a precedent at other airports across the country that were going through the same problems the residents in Santa Monica and the residents in the other communities surrounding Santa Monica were going through.

Also, the City of Santa Monica never had enough parks for the residents of Santa Monica and the airport could provide the City with the parks that were needed for the residents by the airport and so far, the City of Santa Monica has done a great job.

I hope that you and the other City Council Members in Santa Monica will do the right thing tonight.

Thanks,
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
2 Jim Donaldson
2666 Barry Avenue Los Angeles Ca. 90064
310‐339‐7673
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Kathy Knight <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 5:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; David White; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Douglas Sloan Subject: Agenda Item 11-A Future of Santa Monica Airport - Council Mtg of 12/19/2023

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and City Council Members:

I ask you to make sure that Sasaki Associates knows that we want them to to focus on the park and there should be NO housing development of this rare and precious park space. We already have enough housing in the City. Many units are vacant.

What we need are natural areas where people, especially children, can get out and enjoy walking and connecƟng to nature there. Areas like this help people to relax and feel good, and provide habitat for local wildlife.

Measure LC, approved in 2014 by 60% of the Santa Monica voters prohibits new development of Airport land aŌer all or part of the Airport is permanently closed unƟl the voters have approved limits on the uses and development that may occur on the land.

Please help us make sure that Sasaki Associates pays strong aƩenƟon to public input and is totally transparent in their work on this issue.

Thank you for your aƩenƟon to this VERY IMPORTANT issue.

Sincerely,
Kathy Knight
Sunset Park resident for 36 years
[email protected]
(310) 613‐1175

ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 11.A.

December 19, 2023

Santa Monica City CouncilDecember 19, 2023

Santa Monica City Council
December 19, 2023