State Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia will host a town hall forum on Thursday, Aug. 17, to discuss the proposed 24-hour-a-day international airport at Marine Corps Aviation Station (MCAS) Miramar.
Concerned citizens are invited to learn more about how the new airport could affect their way of life, and share their concerns and comments about the Miramar airport plan.
“This town hall will provide a great opportunity for people to hear from all those involved in the decision-making process,” said Morgan Crinklaw, press secretary for the Assembly Republican Caucus.
Those scheduled to attend include Maj. Gen. Michael Lehnert, who oversees all Marine Corps installations west of the Mississippi; someone from the San Diego Airport Authority and community leaders from throughout the region.
The Alliance in Support of Airport Progress in the 21st century (ASAP 21), a pro-Miramar group, and San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), a pro-military group, have also been invited to attend.
Richard Carson, a professor of economics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), is scheduled to attend. He has predicted the future air traffic trends, and in a report completed with two other UCSD researchers has shown how the planned move to Miramar is skewed, Crinklaw said.
“This event will bring the Marine Corps and the Airport Authority officials to the same venue to educate the public on the issue and answer any questions,” Crinklaw said. “Both sides will make presentations and the public will be encouraged to make comments or ask questions. This is not a debate, it is a public forum.”
Plescia, who is opposed to the plan, believes that the focus should be on Lindbergh Field and taking full advantage of everything it has to offer.
“My goal is to protect the Marines,” Plescia said. “Especially in light of times we’re living in and military being so important.”
Another concern is the quality of life for the people living in the area. Not only is the noise pollution of a 24-hour-a-day airport a concern, but also the traffic.
According to Plescia, the Airport Authority has estimated 144,000 additional cars on the I-15, I-805 and I-5 freeways with the implementation of the Miramar airport plan.The freeways are congested enough as it is, Plescia said.
“The decision is, do we want to stay San Diego, or do we want to become Los Angeles?” Plescia asked.
The town hall meeting will take place at the Scripps Ranch High School auditorium, 10410 Treena St. It will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m., but Plescia is willing to stay as long as people wish to speak with him, Crinklaw said.