City to Discuss Controversial Air Cargo Growth Plans

SAN DIEGO-The San Diego City Council today will consider a much-contested air cargo facility at Brown Field near Otay Mesa.

The council will hold a special meeting in San Ysidro today amid promises by the proposed developers, Brown Field Aviation Park, another year to improve the proposal, which has been in the works for five years.

The developer’s plan calls for expanding the small airport to accommodate 48 cargo flights a day. San Diego lacks a cargo airport and it would be an economic boost for the entire county, supporters say.

However, opposition has been vocal and persistent. Residents near the airport are concerned about additional noise and traffic. Other foes say there’s no demand for the project and that it could impact other airports, including Lindbergh Field and Tijuana airport.

In response to an FAA report, developers altered the landing and takeoff patterns at the airport to help with regional air traffic flow. The developer is now working with the FAA on a second study. That will take a year to complete.