Residents in Longmont are raising concerns about the impact of Vance Brand Municipal Airport on their neighborhoods.
During a recent City Council meeting, they voiced frustrations about noise pollution, frequent flights, and the limitations on local government control over airport operations.
City officials have committed to discussing potential solutions in upcoming sessions.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Airport Noise
More than 264 noise complaints have been filed this year about the Vance Brand Municipal Airport.
Most of these relate to loud aircraft disrupting daily life, particularly during early mornings and late evenings.
Residents claim these disturbances often extend well beyond the city's voluntary noise abatement rules.
One of the main issues involves touch-and-go flight school operations.
A Longmont resident noted that such flights happen even on weekends and often involve multiple planes flying low in formation.
Many residents believe these activities are affecting the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.
FAA Regulations Limit Local Authority
City officials emphasized their limited control over airport activities, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs most operations.
During the meeting, Council member Marcia Martin clarified that the City Council cannot independently impose many restrictions on the airport.
Airport Manager Levi Brown explained that the runway operates like a public road, meaning pilots have open access to it under federal rules.
He referred to the city's role as “stewards” of the airport, tasked with maintaining operations while adhering to federal regulations.
City Council Plans Further Discussions
In response to the residents' complaints, the City Council voted unanimously to hold an executive session to explore legal options.
These closed-door discussions will allow council members to receive advice from legal experts on how to address the airport noise issue.
Possible actions include revisiting the voluntary noise abatement policies currently in place.
The council stressed the importance of finding solutions that align with federal guidelines while addressing the community's concerns.
Traffic Cameras and Urban Design Changes Approved
In addition to airport discussions, the City Council approved Vision Zero traffic enforcement cameras.
These cameras will monitor school zones, parks, and 10 high-risk corridors identified for frequent crashes.
Set to launch in 2025, the system aims to reduce traffic violations and improve road safety.
The Council also discussed urban design changes to promote affordable housing development.
Proposed updates include narrower streets, compact utility corridors, and modified stormwater systems to allow for higher-density housing.
These measures aim to reduce construction costs and make housing more accessible for Longmont residents.
