CORONADO, Calif., (KGTV) — Some Coronado residents are shocked and confused after getting a letter from the City, urging them to read the newly released Environmental Impact Report for the airport's "Land Use Compatibility Plan."
Many worried that a new airport would be coming into Naval Air Base North Island. However, as 10News discovered, the San Diego Regional Airport Authority has no plans to expand the airport into the Coronado.
Custom golf cart maker, Mike Matheny and his dog, Buddy, love everything about Coronado — even the blaring jet noise.
"Well, that's the sound of freedom to me," Matheny said.
But when he and his neighbors got a letter from the City of Coronado, urging residents to read the Environmental Impact Report for "Naval Air Station North Island Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan," many wondered, are they expanding the airport onto the base?
"I think there are other avenues," Matheny said. "Everybody's talking about Brown Field being the most ideal. Expanding that and so forth. But I don't want it here in Coronado. I know that."
Just the thought of commercial planes constantly roaring above his home, the increased traffic, and property values taking a nosedive made Matheny nervous.
So 10News asked the San Diego Regional Airport Authority to clear the air. Are there plans to expand the airport into Coronado?
"None whatsoever," Airport Authority manager, Ralph Redman, said.
It turns out the 182-page document is one of 16 state-mandated reports that assess the environmental impacts of the current airport onto surrounding neighborhoods. The report shows there are no significant impacts to Coronado residents, except in the "Land Use and Planning" category.
If adopted, 1,000 residents who live in the same area as Matheny would have strict restrictions on future property developments.
"We wouldn't want a school or a high rise building to be built right off the end of a runway," Redman said. "We are trying to limit the amount of density that would go into that area."
So with no plans for a new airport, Matheny and Buddy can breathe a sigh of relief. Back to living the life in his sweet Coronado home.
"Every time you come across the bridge, you just feel like you're in paradise," Matheny said.
The Airport Authority is asking stakeholders and Coronado residents to submit their input on the Environmental Study by Feb. 7, 2020.
In the end, the City of Coronado will decide if they will adopt the Airport Authority's Plan. That vote will take place this spring.
