City Moves to Phase II of Airport Conversion Outreach, Launches New Survey for “Discovering the Place & Setting the Stage”

Outreach for the post-airport future on the land where Santa Monica Airport now resides began “Phase 2” earlier today when the city opened a new survey designed to receive feedback from residents, business owners and other stakeholders. According to the Santa Monica Airport Conversion (SMAC) team, “this survey and phase of work are designed to focus on the community’s preferences and priorities for the future of the site, focused on a Great Park.”

You can take the survey by clicking here or on the image below this paragraph. It says it takes “15-20 minutes” to complete. It took me just over twelve minutes, and I had to redo one of the pages because I kept selecting sixteen options instead of fifteen.

A quick note, the survey is assuming no change in laws from Measure LC which was passed by voters which forbids land uses for the airport land that weren’t educational or for creating open space. It also assumes the city will close the airport on December 31, 2028 as directed by a recently passed city council ordinance.

If you took the previous survey or attended SMAC events in the spring or summer, you’ll notice the materials and focus have changed. In their email announcing the commencement of Phase II, they outlined the goals for current outreach.

• Prioritizing and refining the 100+ potential future uses conveyed during the Phase 1 engagement activities
• Analyzing findings from the existing conditions explorations
• Understanding site opportunities and constraints related to airport conversion
• Using this work to develop the draft Guiding Principles for discussion at Phase 2’s major community event (first week of December) and ultimately for City Council review and approval

Of course, the survey isn’t the only outreach tool the SMAC team has planned. A series of pop-up events, including one happening at the Santa Monica Pier today (the 19th) are planned. A new video to inform interested people about SMAC and the progress made in phase 1 can be viewed below. More information about the project, survey and upcoming events can be found at the SMAC website.

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

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