By KATHERINE PETERSEN
Sunnyvale has received more than 700 responses since it installed a Moffett Federal Airfield hot line two months ago. Citizens concerned about the uncertain future of Moffett have called, transmitted faxes and sent letters asking questions and telling the city what's important to them.
Many inquiries addressed the possibility of cargo flights going in and out of Moffett Field. The city is researching answers to those questions.
Cargo flights to and from Moffett had been one suggestion to boost revenue for NASA, the federal agency that operates the airfield.
Karen Davis, assistant to Sunnyvale's city manager, said the city is researching documentable answers from experts before returning to the community with definitive answers. She said experts will have a better grasp on what types of jets would be used, flight times, traffic patterns and approaches to the runway.
"We're categorizing questions and making sure we have a good understanding of exactly the issues the community wants addressed. We're trying to put this together so we can respond to everyone," she said.
The city will hold a public hearing to discuss many of the answers to citizens' questions and concerns. The date for the hearing has not been set. Davis added that the city's goal is to keep Moffett as a federal airfield because of its connection to jobs and local industries.
Over the last year, citizen groups have also formed to look at Moffett's future. Communities Organized to Save Moffett Complex has similar goals to Sunnyvale in its desire to see Moffett maintained as a federal airfield. The Alliance for a New Moffett Field has suggested alternative uses for the property, including wetlands preservation or commercial development, which members claim may benefit the Bay Area at large.
Tim Risch, a Sunnyvale resident and an executive committeemember of Communities Organized to Save Moffett Complex, said his group believes that Moffett should remain under Federal jurisdiction. He feels his group's position is realistic.
"Moffett, in my view, will be an airfield for the conceivable future. It may always be an airfield," he said. COSMC supports NASA in its need for additional tenants for revenue to offset budget cuts.
"Air cargo is a use we consider appropriate that would bring in added revenue. We have no problem with air cargo operations except that we do not support early morning flights over Sunnyvale neighborhoods," Risch said.
Risch said that some planes may be able to take off and land on an approach from the bay, but added that even a percentage as small as 3 percent with flight patterns over residential areas is too much.
"I think the hot line has been successful and we've been in touch with the city to contact citizens who are interested in becoming involved with our group," Risch said.
Bob Seltzer, a Sunnyvale resident and president of the Alliance for a New Moffett Field, said the group's purpose is to promote an open and democratic process to determine the future use of Moffett. He said NASA is considering moving its flight operations to Southern California, while a consortium of air cargo companies has proposed conducting night flight operations out of Moffett.
"I am personally opposed to air cargo flights in and out of Moffett Field," said Seltzer, although he added that his group has not taken a formal position on the issue.
He said the air cargo proposal was the motivating factor that brought the group together. "We have a much wider agenda. Unless the affected communities develop a clear vision for future use that serves the interests of local population, we will be unable to influence decisions at any level of government in our favor," Seltzer said.
He feels it is urgent to get on track with a program that will enhance, not detract, from the quality of life in the affected communities.
Seltzer said that members of the alliance have proposed various future uses for Moffett, including wetlands restoration and recreation, housing, commercial development or a "Smithsonian West" air and space museum. He said the group has no firm position on any of these options. Seltzer stressed the importance of all citizens having a say in the airfield's future use.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, April 17, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.