A July 1979 FAA memo summarizes the first advisory committee meeting on a proposed recreation plan for the North Clear Zone near Sea-Tac International Airport. The meeting, attended by about 40 community members, consultants, and Port of Seattle representatives, centered on what types of recreational uses—such as soccer fields, golf courses, and bike trails—would be compatible with airport safety guidelines, with the FAA cautioning against intensive uses and large fixed spectator facilities in the clear zone. The group requested more specific, quantitative FAA guidelines on acceptable land use, and a follow-up meeting was scheduled for August 8, with the full study expected to take six months and potentially set precedents for recreational land use near major airports.Open full document
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Memorandum from FAA Environmental Planning Officer George K. Saito documenting the first advisory committee meeting for the North Clear Zone Recreation Plan Study held on July 25, 1979. The memo covers discussions about FAA safety concerns regarding large assemblies of people in recreation areas near Sea-Tac Airport, acceptable recreational uses, and community input on desired facilities. The author notes the study could set precedents for compatible land use considerations near major airports involving recreational activities.