June 1, 2005

Airport noise tops agenda at WGNA general meeting

By Carol Rosen
Editor

The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association (WGNA) held its spring general meeting and learned a lot about what the Mineta San Jose Airport is doing to alleviate noise and potential noise problems.

Bill Sherry, the new manager of the Mineta San Jose International Airport, introduced himself to the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association’s general meeting on May 10. He was followed by Jaime Locquiano, the airport’s noise abatement manager, about what they can do to help keep airplane noise down.

The meeting also included a brief speech by District 6 City Councilmember Ken Yeager, who discussed what is happening in the district overall and specifically to Willow Glen. The meeting also included the slate of officers for the next two years. Those elected are Ed Rast, president; Ellen Santomauro, first vice president; Jim Spence, second vice president; Carol Rossebo, secretary and Joan Bohnett, treasurer.

Board of directors for the next year are Larry Ames, Harvey Darnell, Hugh Graham, Charley Luckhardt, Helen Solinski and Margaret Hardy. The nominating committee, to select next year’s slate of candidates is Jim Gardner (chair), Kris Cunningham, Sharon Fierro, Vern Ladd and Lynn Repetsky.

Yeager discussed the budget and that Station 6’s hose wagon was on the cutting block again (see related story on Page 1). He also discussed Mayor Gonzales’ proposal to close the libraries on Mondays and keep them open for a few hours on Sundays. Yeager says he is opposed to the measure. As for parks, it appears that the restrooms will remain open all seven days but will only be cleaned on six days.

Yeager also touched on the proposed dog park at Wallenberg park and new curb cuts—for the disabled—on Willow and Cherry.

Then it was on to the airport with an introduction of the new manager Bill Sherry. He spoke about being a good neighbor and being open to dialogue and responsive to Willow Glen issues.

Noise Abatement Manager Jaime Locquiao spoke next. He explained the noise rules and how America West is able to land planes after the midnight curfew. He discussed Willow Glen approach issues and when these are exempt. He also discussed ongoing efforts the airport is making to ensure that noise becomes a non-issue.

Among these are upgrading the flight-tracking system, establishing a neighborhood services group to provide knowledge to San Jose citizens and providing a $1.4 million noise monitoring system upgrade. In planning stages are new designs for quieter jets and noise cancellation.

Locquiao also told those attending if they have a problem, they need to call the noise report number, which is (408) 452-0707. First he will try to get back to any callers within 24 hours. Second, it’s a lot easier to go to the FAA with a noise problem when a large number of people call in. If only a few people call in, then it’s hard to explain that there’s a problem. A document noting a large number of calls easily can show this, he added.

WGNA’s next meeting is a board meeting scheduled for June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Willow Glen Baptist Church, 1292 Minnesota Ave. No agenda was available at press time.