By KATHERINE PETERSEN
Sunnyvale wants San Jose to keep Moffett Federal Airfield out of its future airport plans once and for all.
The city on Jan. 10 released a letter objecting to the inclusion of Moffett Field in San Jose's draft environmental impact report for an update to San Jose International Airport's master plan. Moffett Field also is included in a draft environmental impact report, a document required by federal law.
The letter advised San Jose and the Federal Aviation Administra-tion that Sunnyvale is evaluating its legal rights regarding any adverse impacts that may result from the expansion of San Jose airport operations into Moffett Field, including adoption of a draft EIR that discussed such an expansion.
"San Jose's proposal ... clearly flies in the face of long-held policies endorsed by the Sunnyvale community and City Council, and we will strenuously oppose Moffett's inclusion in it," Sunnyvale Mayor Robin Parker said.
Parker said Sunnyvale officials will consider minimal federal or cargo flights at Moffett Field, but the city must protect the interests of the community and the environment. Sunnyvale voters in 1991 overwhelmingly opposed an initiative that would allow general aviation at Moffett Field.
San Jose City Attorney Joan Gallo said Sunnyvale misunderstood San Jose's plans and "is making a tempest out of a teapot." She said San Jose is not studying Moffett Field as an alternative and does not have a project in mind for it.
However, if San Jose and the FAA continue to press a plan that is "neither practical nor feasible," according to legal analysis received by Sunnyvale, the city will demand an evaluation of Moffett Field that discusses all potential impacts of civil aviation, Parker said.
Latham & Watkins on Jan. 10 sent a letter to San Jose on behalf of Sunnyvale stating reasons why Moffett Field cannot serve as a relief facility for San Jose's airport. The letter is available on the Virtual Valley Community Network. After logging on, click on the map in the center, then "Sunnyvale," then "The Sun."
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, January 17, 1996
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