Category : Correspondence(182)

In this September 1977 letter, Port of Seattle Executive Director Richard D. Ford responds to a community member's concerns about the Concorde supersonic jet, expressing alarm that the Federal Government amended its noise regulations to allow a noisier aircraft to operate at U.S. airports. Ford warns this decision undermines the Sea-Tac/Communities Plan, which was built on the expectation that aircraft would become progressively quieter over time. He calls on the federal government, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers to aggressively pursue quieter engine technology as a necessary solution to airport noise problems.

In this May 26, 1977 letter, Port of Seattle Chairman Donald G. Shay responds to a request from the Westside Hilltop Survival Committee to make Barbara Summers a full voting member of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC). Shay explains that Summers currently serves as an alternate representative for the Westside area and expresses his personal opposition to expanding PAC membership solely to add another Westside representative. He agrees, however, to place the matter on the next PAC meeting agenda for consideration by the full membership.

In a May 1976 letter to King County Councilwoman Bernice Stern, Seattle Port Commission President Henry T. Simonson outlined two key decisions regarding land adjacent to Sea-Tac International Airport. The Port ruled out acquiring the 35-acre 'west acquisition area' due to high costs, excessive development expenses, and lack of foreseeable airport-related demand, while agreeing that any existing development there must follow carefully formulated guidelines. For the 'southeast conversion area' — 85 small homes in Lowe's Terrace Subdivision — the Port acknowledged that standard acoustic insulation treatment may not be cost-effective, and flagged the neighborhood as a candidate for a special purchase guarantee program to assist with gradual land-use conversion.

In a March 1976 letter to Councilwoman Bernice Stern, Seattle resident Virginia Dana raises concerns about 'redlining' and FHA mortgage commitments affecting homeowners near Sea-Tac Airport, citing the impact of noise maps and inconsistent land acquisition policies on property marketability. Dana, a citizen participant in the Sea Tac Communities Plan, also submits a statement praising the collaborative community planning effort and urging the Port of Seattle and King County to formally adopt the Plan without delay. She calls for continued monitoring of airport noise programs and stresses that residents who engaged in good faith throughout the process deserve a finalized, implemented plan.

In this January 1976 letter, U.S. Senator Warren G. Magnuson responds to Seattle resident Virginia E. Dana, enclosing copies of two House bills—H.R. 4312 and H.R. 7720—known as the 'Airport and Airway Development Extension Acts of 1975.' The bills, introduced by Representative Dale Milford and referred to the House Subcommittee on Aviation, were relevant to airport development policy, including plans for Sea-Tac Airport. Magnuson acknowledges Dana's comments about Sea-Tac development and expresses hope that the documents will support her research into airport development programs.

A 1975 letter from the Port of Seattle invites King County Council member Paul Barden to a briefing on the Sea-Tac/Communities Plan, a two-year, $640,000 study examining the relationship between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and surrounding communities. The accompanying summary outlines key recommendations, including that the Port of Seattle assume primary responsibility for a comprehensive noise remedy program involving property acquisition, noise insulation, and avigation easements, while King County take the lead on land use changes and infrastructure improvements in affected areas. The plan also calls for both agencies to seek changes in federal and state legislation to expand funding and expand the scope of noise abatement programs.

Letter from Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Frank B. Brouillet to Mrs. Virginia Dana responding to her request for assistance in developing legislation to close public schools located in F.A.A. cleared zones. The superintendent suggests working directly through legislators and promises cooperation in seeking passage of such a proposal.

In this July 19, 1974 letter, Donald G. Shay, Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle, writes to the FAA's Planning Department to clarify the Port's intentions regarding land acquisition near Sea-Tac International Airport. He explains that negotiations with Highline Public Schools will result in the purchase of Maywood Elementary and Sunset Junior High schools, with educational buildings bought outright for extended clear zone land use, while playground and recreational areas will be handled separately and made available to the surrounding public. Shay emphasizes that recreational use is a high priority in the acquisition area and that any further development would undergo full citizen and government review.

In this July 1974 letter, George L. Buley of the FAA's Airports Planning Branch writes to Arthur H. Yoshioka of the Port of Seattle regarding the SeaTac/Communities Plan study. Buley recommends holding two or three public meetings in the study area to present the study's conclusions and recommendations to citizens before they are brought before elected officials of the Port and King County. He emphasizes the importance of well-publicized meetings that allow citizens adequate opportunity to ask questions, and urges that the topic be discussed at the upcoming July PAC and TAC meetings.