Council approves moving runway at LAX

The 10-3 vote was on a proposed $4.75-billion makeover that includes moving the northernmost runway 260 feet closer closer to residents and businesses in Westchester (but within LAX's existing property). The adjustment makes it easier for the airport to handle a new generation of wide-wing aircraft, including the A380. Currently, landing that plane requires suspending operations on the the parallel runway - doable but inconvenient and potentially hazardous. Opponents argued that moving the runway should not be tied with other less contentious aspects of the modernization plan, such as a consolidated rental car facility and a people mover. But aside from Councilman Bill Rosendahl, whose district includes Westchester, and mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, the arguments failed to convince most council members. This morning's debate was punctuated with calls for regionalizing the airport system, an idea that has never quite taken root because too many people prefer traveling out of LAX, where airfares tend to be cheaper than other Socal facilities (especially Ontario). Today's vote is a step forward, but hardly the end of the debate. Further litigation is a good bet, and getting all the government t's crossed could take years.