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Submitted by Vishal Soni
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the Livermore Municipal Airport and its increasing impact on our community, particularly the Pleasanton Meadows neighborhood.
Increased air traffic and safety concerns
I am deeply concerned about the noticeable increase in air traffic, specifically the low altitude flights over residential areas like Pleasanton Meadows.
These low-flying planes pose a significant risk to the safety of our residents, especially children attending the two elementary schools in the neighborhood. The potential health risks associated with unleaded gas emissions and the low margin for error in case of an incident are alarming.
We cannot forget the recent incident in Livermore where a plane was forced to land on a freeway overpass. LVK does not look like a municipal airport anymore as we are seeing increased frequency of private jets which are very loud.
Livermore’s secrecy and disregard for collaboration
Livermore’s approach to airport development is shrouded in secrecy, lacking transparency and genuine collaboration with neighboring communities. The establishment of a new governing body by Livermore for airport development raises serious concerns about their intentions and their disregard for the input of those most impacted.
The 2010 resolution to establish a liaison committee envisioned a more citizen-centric approach with clear action items, timelines, and to document meeting minutes. Unfortunately, the current meetings seem to lack these crucial elements, essentially rendering them unproductive discussions.
Disregard for resident concerns
Furthermore, numerous noise complaints submitted by Pleasanton residents appear to be falling on deaf ears. These complaints are seemingly filed away with no meaningful action taken to address the concerns of those impacted by the airport’s operations.
Every complaint receives a canned response stating the FAA allows us to fly low over your neighborhood and we will continue doing so.
Public health and resident well-being
Extensive research clearly demonstrates the detrimental effects of airplane noise on human health. Do we, the residents of Pleasanton, deserve to be treated as secondary citizens while the airport operators are seemingly prioritized?
Call to action
I urge the city of Pleasanton to take these concerns seriously before they escalate further and jeopardize the well-being of our residents.
I propose the formation of a committee comprised of concerned citizens to actively discuss airport-related issues and develop actionable solutions to mitigate the aforementioned concerns. This committee should actively engage with Livermore officials to demand transparency, meaningful collaboration, and a genuine response to the concerns of Pleasanton residents.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and a proactive approach to addressing these critical issues.
Editor’s note: Pleasanton resident Vishal Soni is a software professional and member of the Livermore Airport Citizens Group, a collection of concerned Tri-Valley residents concerned about impacts from airport expansion and noise. He originally submitted this letter to new Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch, cc’ing the Weekly on the email.
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Residents in Pleasanton affected by airport noise from the Livermore Municipal Airport have a few options to address their concerns.
1. Contact Local Authorities, Pleasanton Code Enforcement: Residents can report complaints to the Cose Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department in Pleasanton. They handle noise ordinance violations and other nuisances.
Livermore Airport Administration: Contacting the Livermore Municipal Airport administration can help raise awareness about the issue and potentially lead to discussions about noise abatement measures.
2. File a Formal Complaint, Noise Ordinance Violations: Residents can file a formal complaint if the noise levels exceed the limits set by local noise ordinances. The Pleasanton Municipal Code Chapter 9.04 outlines noise regulations and the process for filing complaints.
3. Community Involvement, Attend Meeting: Participate in community meetings or city council meetings to voice concerns and advocate for noise reduction measures.
Form a Group: Join or form a neighborhood group to collectively address the issue and present a unified front.
4. Legal Action, Consult an attorney: If the noise persists and significantly affects quality of life, consulting with an attorney who specializes in environmental or nuisance law might be an option
5. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FAA Complaints: Although the FAA primarily regulates air traffic, they do have a noise complaint process. Residents can file a complaint with the FAA if they believe the airport is not complying with noise abatement procedures.
It’s important for residents to document the noise incidents, including dates, times, and the impact on their daily lives, to support their complaints. The airport is not going away, it will continue to grow.
What I do to stop the aircraft noise over my home? I sold my property in south Pleasanton 25 years ago and purchased my current property in northwest Pleasanton.
Michael Austin, Vishal Soni’s thoughtful letter to the editor of the Pleasanton Weekly speaks to the community’s deep and longstanding frustration with increased traffic at the Livermore Municipal Airport. I too am sick of the increased traffic. Mr. Soni’s letter is needed. I’m glad he has taken on the leadership role in the community. Noise pollution is harmful to the body much like chemical pollution. Mr. Austin, not everyone has the advantageous financial position to sell and purchase on a whim like you chose. Most working-aged people in the Bay Area are struggling to stay ahead of the rising cost of living. From my perspective, your comment comes across as deeply patronizing. Pleasanton families are negatively impacted by persistent noise pollution from planes and trains. This is a conversation that city council members and the mayor should be taking up.
The railroad tracks and locomotives have been passing through downtown Pleasanton, California, for over 150 years. The original tracks were laid by the Western Pacific Railroad in 1869. This line was part of the connection to the Transcontinental Railroad. Over the years, the tracks have seen various changes and developments, including the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) service in 1998. The connection helped establish Pleasanton as a key transportation hub.
The railroad has played a significant role in the development of downtown Pleasanton. The railroad facilitated the movement of goods and materials, boosting local businesses and industries. It provided a reliable means of transporting agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other commodities.
The railroad’s presence created jobs in construction, maintenance, and operations, contributing to the local economy.
The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) service provides a convenient and efficient public transportation option for residents commuting to and from the Bay Area.
The historic significance of the railroad attracts tourists and history enthusiasts, adding to the vibrancy of downtown Pleasanton.
The railroad’s presence encouraged the growth and expansion of downtown Pleasanton, leading to the development of commercial and residential areas.
The infrastructure built around the railroad, such as roads and bridges has supported the overall development of the area.
Overall, the railroad has been a vital component of Pleasanton’s history, economy, and community life, Its continued presence and operation contribute to the town’s charm and functionality.
I appreciate Mr. Soni’s comments.
Regarding Mr. Austin’s comment about railroads, I do not read anywhere in Mr. Soni’s commentary about railroads. In all due respect, Mr. Austin this is not the first time you have made comments that were off-target or clearly state your intent to adding otherwise non-relative comments. In this case, you did not state the purpose of writing about railroads. Were they about the noise issue? Then, state so.
My train commentary was in response to Critical Thinker’s complaint about the railroad that runs through Pleasanton.
“Pleasanton families are negatively impacted by persistent noise pollution from planes and trains.” – Critical Thinker.
Thank you.
I posted a five-point remediation suggestion for Vishal Soni. The critical thinker was irked that I sold my property in south Pleasanton, moved to northwest Pleasanton, and complained about the railroad.
I posted my thoughts on the historical values of the railroad in Pleasanton. It was addressed that I was “off-target” without clarity stating my “intent.” the airport is here, the railroad is here, and they will be here throughout our lifetimes and our children’s lifetimes.
Fifteen years ago (2010) the Pleasanton City Council and the Livermore Airport Administration established a resolution to collaborate and minimize airport impacts on the Tri-Valley community. Both cities have been involved in discussions regarding curfews and noise from the airport. – PW
I considered writing a formula engaging artificial gravity, and artificial magnetic force, applied with quantum field theory, (noise is invisible same as dark matter), that once set in motion would eliminate the airport noise. Or, Ultrasound applied against the airport noise will diffract the noise, and reverse it. Ultrasound is beyond the range of human hearing. Anticipated it would be ridiculed.
So let me get this straight—residents moved near an airport, and now they’re shocked that planes make noise? What’s next, complaints that the sun is too bright? Airports exist for a reason, and acting like Livermore should function like a quiet cul-de-sac ignores the reality of modern infrastructure. If Pleasanton wants total peace and quiet, maybe they should petition for horse-drawn carriages instead.