Council to consider policy against JWA expansion

The Costa Mesa City Council will consider the adoption of an official city policy toward the expansion of John Wayne Airport tonight.

The proposal would put Costa Mesa on the record as opposing any expansion of the facility beyond stipulations outlined in a 1985 settlement agreement.

It would further direct staff to draft a proposal for the formation of a city Aviation Committee, which would hold a monthly meeting and advise the council on airport issues.

“It is imperative JWAOC be recognized as permanently constrained to its existing legal, environmental and physical limitations and that the city takes those steps it deems necessary to ensure those restrictions remain in place in perpetuity,” the policy reads. The proposal would also commission a joint study by Costa Mesa and Newport Beach aimed at reducing the number of passengers at the airport under the county’s program to divert passengers to other regional airports.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the council’s chambers at 77 Fair Drive.

— Chris Caesar