The Loma Prietan
October 2002
Menlo Park Weighs in on Proposed SFO Expansion
by Dan Kalb, Chapter Director
On Tuesday, September 17, the Menlo Park City Council, under the leadership of outgoing Mayor Steve Schmidt, passed a resolution favoring alternatives to SFO Airport's proposed runway expansion out into San Francisco Bay.
Mayor Schmidt was joined by Council members Chuck Kinney, Paul Collacchi and Mary Jo Borak in supporting the resolution that urges the City of San Francisco and the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to move forward with all viable alternatives before approving the building of new runways in San Francisco Bay. Council member Nicholas Jellins voted against the resolution.
The text of the resolution reads as follows:
A Resolution to Stand Up for San Mateo County and San Francisco Bay Relating to the Proposed "Runway Expansion in the Bay" Project at San Francisco International Airport:
Whereas, the people of San Mateo County would be most directly affected by a major runway extension and Bay fill construction project at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and;
Whereas, the people of San Mateo County are today directly impacted by the traffic, noise, environmental, and other daily impacts of flights at SFO, and;
Whereas, the proposed runway expansion into San Francisco Bay will reduce the volume and surface area of the Bay, and;
Whereas, the proposed runway expansion is likely to impact water circulation, increase water pollution, significantly harm wildlife habitat, and reduce fishing and recreational opportunities, and;
Whereas, the people of San Mateo County own the property around that on which SFO is built and wishes to expand;
Now, therefore it is hereby resolved:
The Menlo Park City Council hereby urges the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the City of San Francisco to pledge to oppose any major runway extension and Bay fill construction project at SFO unless and until all alternatives to reduce delays are implemented and exhausted, and unless it is proven to be in the clear and compelling interest of the people of San Mateo County that such a project should be approved.
A similar resolution was passed by the Half Moon Bay City Council earlier this year.