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City Council Approves Controversial LAX Expansion

Residents of surrounding neighborhoods are protesting the expansion of an LAX runway.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 10-3 on Tuesday morning to approve the controversial plan to move one of the Los Angeles International Airport runways closer to the neighborhoods of Westchester and Playa del Ray.

This plan is part of a $4.76-billion round of improvements to LAX including terminal additions, a transportation center with light rail stations, and an elevated people mover.  The runway project alone would cost an estimated $652-million.

Moving the northernmost runway 260 feet closer to the neighborhoods in Couniclman Bill Rosendahl's district will make room for a center taxiway.  

"There will be a lawsuit," said Rosendhal after the vote was revealed.

The runway plan will increase safety, lead to more jobs, and make it easier for the airport to manage larger commercial jets, according to airport officials.

This will include the world's largest commercial aircraft flying today, the Airbus A380, which currently requires special handling when it arrives at LAX due to its size.  

Opponents to the plan say that the project will increase pollution, noise, and traffic congestion, particularly during construction.  

They believe there are alternative, less harmful options that the council should consider.

Mayoral candidate and Councilman Eric Garcetti opposed the proposition.  Garcetti's runoff opponent, CIty Controller Wendy Greuel, has not taken a position on the plan.   

The project began in 2006 and still needs the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors before it can be put into action.

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