BURBANK ATTACKS AIRPORT NOISE STUDY IN 35 PAGES.Byline: Deborah Sullivan Daily News Staff Writer In a 35-page letter, Burbank city officials criticized the Burbank Airport's noise study Thursday, calling it a flawed flaw 1 n. 1. An imperfection, often concealed, that impairs soundness: a flaw in the crystal that caused it to shatter. See Synonyms at blemish. 2. document that ``fails to lay a foundation for real, effective aircraft noise abatement A reduction, a decrease, or a diminution. The suspension or cessation, in whole or in part, of a continuing charge, such as rent. With respect to estates, an abatement is a proportional diminution or reduction of the monetary legacies, a disposition of property by will, when .'' The so-called Part 150 Noise Study, released last month, is the latest subject of a long-running dispute between the city and airport over how best to cut airport noise. The city is trying to block airport expansion plans because of complaints from residents about noise, and officials said Thursday that the study unfairly rejects measures the city favors. ``The draft they've prepared complies with neither the spirit nor the letter of the law, and does not propose a comprehensive solution to noise problems,'' said Peter Kirsh, the city's attorney on airport issues. Airport spokesman Victor Gill said the city's comments are ``quite welcome,'' but ``it's too bad they chose to be so strident in their rhetoric.'' The city's comment letter faulted the airport for dismissing noise abatement measures favored by the city, including a mandatory curfew curfew [O.Fr.,=cover fire], originally a signal, such as the ringing of a bell, to damp the fire, extinguish all lights in the dwelling, and retire for the night. The custom originated as a precaution against fires and was common throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. , a cap on flights and a noise budget, which spreads a limited amount of noise among various airport users. The study concluded that such measures would be difficult, expensive or could provoke pro·voke tr.v. pro·voked, pro·vok·ing, pro·vokes 1. To incite to anger or resentment. 2. To stir to action or feeling. 3. To give rise to; evoke: provoke laughter. contention among airport users. ``The draft impermissibly im·per·mis·si·ble adj. Not permitted; not permissible: impermissible behavior. im omits consideration of noise abatement options which provide substantial and meaningful noise abatement relief,'' the letter says. Kirsch kirsch n. A colorless brandy made from the fermented juice of cherries. [French, short for German Kirschwasser; see kirschwasser. said the city's suggestions at least deserve further investigation than being dismissed quickly. The noise study, the letter says, ``fails to approach the problem of noise abatement in a creative, positive, solution-oriented manner.'' Gill accused the city in its letter of taking a negative and adversarial ad·ver·sar·i·al adj. Relating to or characteristic of an adversary; involving antagonistic elements: "the chasm between management and labor in this country, an often needlessly adversarial . . . stance. But he said the study's authors, the Kansas City-based consulting firm Noun 1. consulting firm - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee consulting company business firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a Coffman Associates, would respond to all comments. ``I think the city is more anxious to manipulate public opinion than it is to assist the authority in addressing noise issues,'' Gill said. ``Nonetheless, all of their comments will receive thorough review, and if there are good ideas in there, I'm sure the study will take a look at them.'' The city's letter recommended a list of measures it said would remedy problems with the study. Those include: Holding more ``brainstorming sessions'' with representatives of Burbank and affected community groups. Allowing members of the study's advisory committee to speak with the consultant and have access to all legal and technical analyses of noise abatement measures. Using noise-exposure maps to identify which operations contribute most to airport noise, such as nighttime vs. daytime flights, earlier ``Stage 2'' jets vs. newer ``Stage 3'' jets, or air carriers vs. business jets. |
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