Phillips applauds FAA decision not to lower planes over Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Ballard

March 1, 2011

Summary

Phillips worked to ensure community voices were heard

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips today cheered news from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that they eliminated a controversial proposal to revise airspace and lower flights over the Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Ballard neighborhoods. Phillips had met several times with community members, FAA officials, and the Washington State congressional delegation to register concerns about the proposal’s impacts on Seattle residents.

“Lowering flight paths over Seattle would have significantly impacted the quality of life of people who make their homes these communities,” said Phillips, who represents Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Ballard. “The FAA made the right call by listening to the community members who spoke out against this proposal.”

The FAA’s original proposal called for lowering the airspace floor over Magnolia and Queen Anne from 3000 feet to 2000 feet. Further analysis of that proposal after hearing public concerns caused the FAA to conclude lower flight paths would not be effective in meeting their objectives.

Phillips worked with community members including the Magnolia Community Club to make the FAA and Washington State Congressional leaders aware of the flaws in the proposal. He sent a letter to members of Congress and discussed the issue with them during a trip to Washington D.C. in late January. Phillips was scheduled to meet last week with staff to Senator Patty Murray and the acting FAA Regional Administrator, but the meeting was canceled upon learning the FAA was eliminating the controversial proposal.