Garcetti opposes LAX runway move

The decision puts him in line with activists in Westchester and Playa del Rey.

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti came out Monday against a plan to move the northernmost runway at Los Angeles International Airport, putting him in line with neighborhood activists near LAX and at odds with one of the city’s biggest business groups.

Garcetti said he supports an array of LAX construction projects favored by airport officials, including new terminal space and an “automated people mover” to transport passengers to a light rail station. But the city councilman plans to vote against pushing the runway 260 feet closer to homes in Westchester and Playa del Rey, according to campaign spokesman Jeff Millman.

The $652-million runway proposal is supported by the Coalition to Fix LAX Now, a group that includes the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Both have endorsed City Controller Wendy Greuel, Garcetti’s opponent in the May 21 runoff election.

The LAX proposals are expected to reach the council later this year. In a statement, Millman called the roughly $4-billion package of airport projects favored by Garcetti “the environmentally superior option.” It excludes the runway shift and a plan to realign Lincoln Boulevard near LAX, both of which were recommended by airport officials.

“Everybody agrees on nearly all of the proposals — improving the terminals, bringing light rail to LAX, and building a consolidated car rental facility,” Millman said.

“Eric wants to move forward on these important projects as quickly as possible to create more jobs now, increase safety, relieve traffic, reduce pollution and improve the experience for passengers, workers and residents.”

Greuel was less specific on the runway plan Monday, saying through a spokeswoman that she is committed to meeting with both business and neighborhood