Frustrated by city inaction, residents and airport tenants push for a solution
For years, residents near Van Nuys Airport have asked the city for relief from noise and emissions affecting their neighborhood. They've attended meetings, gathered signatures, and repeatedly contacted city officials, but little has changed.
Residents are now working directly with Van Nuys Airport tenants to build a noise-absorbing wall along Hayvenhurst Avenue. Two airport tenants are even offering to fund the wall, a project stalled by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the city department overseeing Van Nuys Airport.
Community Takes Action
Suzanne Gutierrez, a nearby resident and co-founder of community group Fume Fighters United VNY, supports the tenant-funded wall proposal.
“You boil it down to the basics: bypass LAWA. The tenants (are) willing to put up a wall. It would give us immediate relief,” Gutierrez said. “It’s not going to cure the problem, but it will give us some form of relief.” Gutierrez added, “They are pushing back,” referring to LAWA.
For Gutierrez and her neighbors, the noise isn't the only issue. They're also worried about fumes from jets that regularly idle and take off close to their backyards.
Longstanding Issue: Life in "The Pocket"
The neighborhood known as "the pocket," located immediately west of Van Nuys Airport, is separated from the runways only by a short concrete wall, a chain-link fence, and some trees.
Residents say they frequently smell jet fuel and worry about health risks due to constant exposure to emissions. They argue the existing wall is too short and ineffective at blocking the noise and fumes from aircraft.
Proposed Noise-Absorbing Wall
Residents propose a 15-foot-tall, sound-absorbing wall along Hayvenhurst Avenue, supported financially by two Van Nuys Airport tenants: Aeroplex Aerolease Group and Castle & Cooke.
In exchange for funding the estimated $2.2–$2.5 million wall, these tenants have requested a 5-to-7-year extension on their leases. Aeroplex, which leases property to Castle & Cooke, currently has a lease expiring at the end of 2026.
Barry Rondinella, CEO of Aeroplex, learned about the community's concerns when residents protested at his company's headquarters in Long Beach and at Van Nuys Airport.
“I ran airports for 31 years, and being a good neighbor was always among the most important things we did at the airports I ran,” Rondinella said.
The wall design includes a curved arch intended to redirect emissions away from nearby homes.
City Officials Respond
Van Nuys Airport Manager Jacob Haik says the city needs more time to study the proposal, including conducting California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) assessments.
“At Van Nuys Airport we are committed to being good neighbors and addressing community concerns with transparency and diligence,” Haik stated. “We are open to exploring feasible solutions, including a wall.”
However, Rondinella disputes the city's claim of needing more time, noting he's discussed the proposal with LAWA since June 2024.
“I’m just kind of confused as to what the hesitancy is,” Rondinella said.
Residents Feel Ignored by Officials
Alicia Avery, a member of the Van Nuys Airport Citizens Advisory Council, said residents have requested higher walls along Hayvenhurst Avenue for over four years. She believes the city has repeatedly ignored the community's concerns.
“That was part of three of their alternate options for the airport, but nothing was done to move forward with this, to resolve this,” Avery said.
Timi Romolini, a legal researcher assisting residents pro bono, agreed.
“I, along with community, have invited and pleaded with LAWA to participate and collaborate on a barrier for the last three years,” Romolini explained. “The request fell on deaf ears and even met unjustified resistance.”
Romolini noted the wall idea directly addresses a motion by City Councilmember Imelda Padilla and Councilmember Nithya Raman, adopted in February 2024, calling for improved noise mitigation around Van Nuys Airport.
Officials Promise Progress
A spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass said the mayor's office has engaged with residents on their concerns.
“Our staff are working with the department and the Council Office to move the Van Nuys Airport Specific Plan forward quickly to address the community’s concerns,” said Zach Seidl, spokesperson for Mayor Bass.
Councilmember Padilla’s office said they're actively exploring mitigation measures, including the noise-absorbing wall.
“This effort remains a priority, and Councilmember Padilla continues to engage with airport leadership to ensure progress,” her office stated.
Residents Continue to Push for Action
Avery believes public support from city officials is critical.
“It would be nice to have [Padilla's] support, something to back up what the community needs and has been asking for,” she said. Avery also supports the tenant proposal, noting the lease extension request is fair in exchange for funding the wall.
Gutierrez and fellow residents remain determined, though frustrated by repeated delays.
“There are people in our community that have gone to these meetings...written letters to every single council person, to the mayor’s office, to our congressperson. Like, we’ve done this for years and years and years,” Gutierrez said.
