Category : Correspondence(303)

In March 1976, Virginia Dana wrote to Donald G. Shay, Director of Aviation at Sea-Tac International Airport, questioning why the Port of Seattle had not updated its relocation boundaries for airport-acquired homes to reflect new high-noise zones identified in the Sea-Tac Communities Plan. She argued that using Highway 99 as an eastern boundary was inadequate and that vacant lots east of the airport, between the airport and South 126th, could accommodate relocated homes while boosting the local tax base. Shay responded that the Port would review her suggestion and consider whether to revise its existing relocation directives.

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 August 26, 1975 letter from HUD's Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, James A. Morrill, to U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson of Washington responds to an inquiry about FHA mortgage insurance eligibility for homes in areas where local communities have established noise boundaries. The letter explains that HUD's basic policy, outlined in Circular 1390.2, is to avoid endorsing undesirable living environments, but that FHA does not automatically exclude existing housing in noise-affected areas from mortgage insurance. Individual applications may still be rejected if noise levels are particularly high and the property lacks sufficient soundproofing.

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.

A April 3, 1974 letter from FAA Northwest Region Chief of Airports Planning George L. Buley responds to Seattle resident Mrs. Virginia Dana regarding the possible closure of Sunset Junior High School. The letter acknowledges that the school falls within an area the Port of Seattle proposed to acquire under the FAA's Airport Development Aid Program, and confirms the FAA was actively working with the Port on an environmental impact statement covering the proposed acquisition. Both Sunset Junior High School and Maywood Elementary School were being considered in that environmental review process.