San Diego

County Approves Plan to Extend Carlsbad Airport Runway

While a longer runway would bring more jobs and more flights to the area, nearby residents have some concerns

Bigger jets could be coming to McClellan-Palomar Airport in the near future — near being a relative term.

The County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Wednesday to approve an updated Master Plan for the airport, which includes an expansion of the runway by up to 800 feet. That would allow the airport to lengthen its runway to accommodate larger jets.

Board Chairwoman Kristin Gaspar abstained because her family owns property near the airport.

The Master Plan is scheduled for completion by 2036.

While a longer runway would bring more jobs and more flights to the area, nearby residents have some concerns.

"The noise is probably the No. 1 concern for most of us," Raj Patel said. He lives about two miles from the airport.

Another concern he and his neighbors have is the traffic. They wonder if the existing roads can handle the added traffic.

But Patel does admit that the updated plan does have some benefits.

"Selfishly, since we live here it would be nice to not to have to travel a whole lot living a couple miles away," he said.

It takes him about 45 minutes to travel to Lindbergh Field and about an hour to John Wayne Airport in Orange County. While the idea is nice, whether Patel uses it or not boils down to one thing.

"Ultimately, we always worry about the cost," he said. "I think if the costs are comparable to the cost at San Diego or John Wayne or LAX, then, of course, we'd love to stay close to home."

Selfishly since we live here it would be nice to not to have to travel a whole lot living a couple miles awaySelfishly since we live here it would be nice to not to have to travel a whole lot living a couple miles away
 Selfishly since we live here it would be nice to not to have to travel a whole lot living a couple miles away
 
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