TagPort Of Seattle(2015)

A 1975 summary presentation of the Sea-Tac/Communities Plan, jointly undertaken by the Port of Seattle and King County, outlines the key problems that prompted the study, including aircraft noise complaints from nearby residents, related lawsuits and FHA mortgage restrictions, flooding issues, and neighborhood blight. The plan aimed to achieve compatibility between Sea-Tac International Airport and surrounding communities through technical studies, citizen participation, and advisory committees. Key findings indicated that no major airport expansion was needed, but noise would remain a significant environmental concern, and many property owners believed they deserved relief or compensation.

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.

This 1975 working draft memo from the Port of Seattle and King County outlines updates to the Sea-Tac Communities Plan, including revised sections on noise remedies and community development programs. It provides socioeconomic data for the Sea-Tac area, noting that median family incomes ranged widely from $3,600 in White Center public housing to $18,700 in Normandy Park, with Sea-Tac Airport serving as the primary local employer with over 15,200 jobs and $160 million in annual payroll.

Safety has always been an issue at Sea-Tac Airport, with the S.T.C.P., FAA, King County, and P.O.S. acknowledging concerns through their acceptance of ADAP funds for the Interim Land Acquisition. Residents acquired in the acquisition were never given the option of staying or moving, as the area was designated a safety zone where no residences would be allowed to remain. A separate note on the reverse raises questions about the Kellogs and others connected to the matter.

Vicinity Map of Sea-Tac International Airport and surrounding areas including runways, terminals, and nearby communities from the Sea-Tac Communities Plan committee. The map contains extensive handwritten annotations and notes from Virginia Dana concerning relocation, warehouses and HB1328.

This October 1974 memo from Ed Parks, Technical Coordinator, notifies the Policy Advisory Committee of a meeting scheduled for November 6, 1974, at the Sea-Tac Passenger Terminal, Port of Seattle Offices. The agenda covers topics including study progress, community involvement, a review of the Airport Master Plan, and the establishment of a follow-on Community Plan effort. The memo is part of the Sea-Tac/Communities Plan, a joint planning initiative between the Port of Seattle and King County.

This 1974 noise study, prepared by MAN-Acoustics and Noise, Inc. for the Port of Seattle and King County, examines aircraft noise impacts on communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It covers noise measurement methodologies, noise exposure calculations, effects of weather and aircraft location, maintenance runups, thrust reverser noise, and background noise levels. The report also evaluates potential noise control alternatives and flight operational changes aimed at reducing noise burdens on nearby residents.

This document is a contact directory listing phone numbers and addresses for Port of Seattle Commissioners, key port officials, FAA representatives, King County Council members, and county planning departments. It was apparently distributed to community members affected by Sea-Tac Airport operations, providing them with direct contacts for lodging complaints. The sheet closes with a call to action urging recipients to voice their grievances against the Port of Seattle to these officials.

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.

Resolution No. 2516 of the Port of Seattle Commission authorized the expansion of Unit 18 of the Port's Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements to include additional land surrounding Sea-Tac International Airport. The resolution directed the Port to acquire these properties—through purchase or eminent domain—to establish runway clear zones, buffer zones, and safety areas for airplane passengers, airport personnel, and neighboring residents. All acquisition proceedings were required to comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, including the State Environmental Policy Act.