Residents of Monterey, California, are threatening to sue Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) due to increased noise from aircraft. The airport, once a quiet facility, now experiences over 160 aircraft movements daily, causing frustration among locals. The Monterey Fly Safe Coalition, a neighborhood group, has formed in response to the noise, citing three decades-old ordinances that limit airport operations. These ordinances, passed in 1978 and 1979, regulate airport hours, aircraft altitudes, and touch-and-go landings. However, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District (MPAD) board argues that these ordinances are unenforceable due to federal law preemption.
Nancy Runyon, a resident and member of the coalition, expressed her concerns to SFGate, saying, “A few planes, no big deal. But constant noise – this is driving people crazy.” The coalition has threatened legal action if the MPAD board votes to repeal the ordinances on Wednesday (September 17). The board previously voted unanimously to repeal the ordinances, but a second vote is required. The coalition argues that repealing the ordinances without environmental review is inappropriate, and they have requested a delay in the vote to address their concerns.
Despite the residents’ efforts, airport officials maintain that the growth in air traffic is necessary and here to stay. Carl Miller, chair of the airport board, stated, “We’ve never enforced these ordinances,” citing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) control over U.S. airspace. The outcome of the upcoming vote will determine whether the residents’ legal threat becomes a reality.
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