Monterey Fly Safe Coalition

Monterey Fly Safe Coalition

Mission Statement: We are committed to balancing growth and development with the preservation of quality of life and a safe environment for the residents living on the Monterey Peninsula. Vision Statement: Our goal is to build a consensus and collaboration between the Monterey Peninsula Airport District, municipalities, commerce, and residents of the neighboring communities. Who we are: A grass root group of residents from the local community, living on the Monterey Peninsula, who are concerned about the environmental and local impacts from further growth and expansion at the Monterey Regional Airport. We are looking for more transparency with the airport district’s expansions, benefiting both, commerce and residential neighborhoods alike. By fostering collaboration and thoughtful planning, we can create an environment where economic growth thrives alongside our community’s well-being.

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Our grass root group, the “MONTEREY FLY SAFE COALITION”, has the following core focus:

1. plan, including fines and penalties for any airline/aircraft/pilot who do not respect and follow such ordinance, unless it is for emergency reasons. Currently we have a voluntarily curfew in place from midnight until 5 am.

2. To establish a permanent NO-FLIGHT ZONE over noise sensitive neighborhoods, including but not limited to the City of Monterey, with only certain emergency related exemptions.

3. For the Monterey Airport District to hold public participation meetings, engaging community members, discussing goals, and gathering input from diverse stakeholders regarding but not limited to future expansions, additional flights, No-Flight zones on our peninsula, and night time curfews at the Monterey Regional Airport. These town hall meetings are to foster transparency and to invite feedback from city officials, commerce and the general public. It would contribute to further building a positive relationship with the airport district. We encourage the airport district to record such meetings and broadcast via zoom, in order for the public to be better informed and have easy access to it. The board of directors should benefit from such public events, supporting the board’s decision-making process

4. To perform environmental studies regarding the already drastically increased traffic and anticipated growth at the MPAD and its impact over our residential and business districts on the Monterey Peninsula. To assess whether a low-flying aircraft poses safety risks and have any negative health impact from air pollution it creates, especially in our densely populated areas; to assess the impact of increased risk of accidents, and potential loss of life. To assess the impact of property values within the proximity of flight paths due to noise and safety concerns. To assess whether neighborhoods experience noise levels exceeding 65 decibels (dBA) with aircraft flying overhead. In California, the Community Noise Equivalent Level considers noise during specific hours (10 pm to 7 am) and applies a weighing factor to nighttime flights. To assess the potential economic impact, its advantages and disadvantages, with the implementation of a Night-Time curfew and/or No-Flight zone.