The Oceano County Airport administration sought approval from the California Coastal Commission for a permit to “improve” the airport, including an exclusive campground, entertainment stage, lounge, bathrooms, showers, and private parking. However, on Dec. 15, 2023, the Coastal Commission urged the airport administration to withdraw its application. Before permitting anything, the commission wants a comprehensive plan that addresses environmental justice issues in accordance with the Coastal Act and environmental justice policy.
We would like an independent land use study to identify possible alternative future uses for that land. We already have airports 16 miles to the north and 30 miles to the south.
The Oceano Airport occupies 60 acres of restorable wetlands, crucial as a natural floodplain for the Arroyo Grande Creek. These wetlands are essential for Oceano’s well-being, as demonstrated by the threat posed to residents during the levee breach last winter. The airport limits public access and recreational opportunities. With the current off-roading playground on our beach and dunes, Oceano lacks a safe and accessible beachfront.
The 60 acres now occupied by the airport could be restored into a wetlands park with trails and a small day-use area where residents and visitors can park and then walk to the beach. Oceano needs a safe pedestrian and bike path to the beach, a vehicle-free beach, and a park. Will the county ever listen?
Oceano Beach Community Association
This article appears in 2023 Year in Review.
Ocean doesn’t need another swamp,
Do you or anyone else have the slightest idea how much it would cost to rip up the airport? Besides it is a 75 year old part of the Oceano history let alone the fact that it brings in over a million dollars into the area economy. Funny how you say, “The airport limits public access and recreational opportunities”. That’s funny because there are many people who fly ingo the airport in order to go visit the beach. Also, what recreational opportunities are you talking about.
P.S.
You say, “We would like an independent land use study to identify possible alternative future uses for that land”. Please identify who WE is.
Instead of trashing the airport why don’t you look at ways of utilizing the airport to bring more commerce to the area? The airport is there, and you don’t have to start all over and spend tons of tax payers money just because you are not an airplane fan…