Mar Vista–Santa Monica Airport Good Neighbor Coalition
Different Zip Codes.Same Community.
Good neighbors ask first.
We are Los Angeles residents — and we represent the largest residential border with the Santa Monica Airport (SMO).
We are single family homes on Dewey Street and the surrounding blocks that frame the north edge of Mar Vista (zone 6), a Los Angeles community, proudly part of the Walgrove Elementary footprint — whose backyards sit directly along the southern boundary of Santa Monica Airport.
We live with the airport's noise and pollution every day. And while we may not all agree on the airport's future, we are directly impacted by its operations now, as well as what may become the most consequential land-use decision, when Santa Monica Airport closes at the end of 2028.
Decisions about the southern edge — immediately behind our homes — must be made with careful consideration of the impact on the surrounding community and with appropriate public review, regardless of city jurisdiction.
In 2024, the City of Santa Monica relocated the Santa Monica Trapeze School, a small amusement business displaced from the Pier when the City ended its lease. SM City Council directed staff to find an alternative site. Their selection — 2800 Airport Ave — is a small rarely used lot that abuts single-family homes, placing trapeze equipment in direct sightlines into single family homes and their private yards. The result has disrupted both the business and the surrounding residential neighborhood.
This matter is not just about one business. It is a demonstration of what happens when the community is excluded from the process where consequential decisions are made that compromise the integrity and living space of their homes, impacting generations.
“Yes, that’s in our to do list. And the city will reach out to the residents that are right adjacent to that location.”
The motion to approve the permit was made immediately after that assurance. It passed 4-0. Then — nothing. Over the subsequent 18 months, through every decision, not one adjacent Los Angeles resident received notification.
It was only by happenstance that on March 22, 2026, a local resident came across a hand-painted sign the Santa Monica Trapeze had posted at the 2800 Airport Ave location that the neighborhood was finally made aware.
SM Councilmember Lana Negrete responds to challenges facing Dewey Street neighbors:
"Perfect example of government not talking to each other… We don't notify people with enough time to get engaged… because these are people and they're our community and they… frame our city… If we don't understand how what we place affects them, we are going to have a problem. It's not good for the business there if the neighbors are pissed off."
From a hand-painted sign on a construction barrier to an active, multi-city conversation — here is what the coalition has accomplished in just over two weeks.
Documented, substantive arguments — some already being litigated at this exact airport.
This use required Planning Commission review and a public hearing per 1984 precedent at the same parcel. Staff exceeded ministerial authority.
Converting a passive parking lot to a live entertainment amusement venue with amplified sound, 35 ft steel structures, and nightly crowds is a material change of use requiring environmental review under CEQA.
September 23, 2024: SM City staff committed on the recorded meeting to notify adjacent residents. That promise was the basis for the 4-0 approval vote. It was ignored for 18 months.
Small business permitted for 8am–10pm operations, 7 days/week & holidays, amplified music, crowds, lights, and direct sight lines into single family homes & backyards. The Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project proposed guidelines call for “calm” character along residential boundaries.
A 35+ ft metal rig sits nested between SCE & LADWP high-voltage power line corridor, in one of the windiest parts of the Westside, with no documented utility clearance — as well as a clear road-side driving distraction just off one of the most congested mid-city north–south gateways.
Coalition speaks in public forum. Push for construction pause, utility clearance, and a low-intensity buffer along the southern airport boundary.
Coalition presents to Venice NC. Building cross-neighborhood solidarity across the communities that border the airport’s future.
Meeting held at Windward School. Our home council. Coalition presents formally — bring neighbors, make your voice heard.
Held at City Hall in Council Chambers. Coalition speaks in public forum and makes a formal request for the data behind the SMTS placement at 2800 Airport Blvd, as well as SM plans for enforcement on nuisance violations.
If construction proceeds without utility clearance and process correction, the coalition will escalate to legal challenge.
Phase 5 framework finalized. We must secure a seat at the planning table before the southern boundary design is locked in.
We support the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project and the generational change it can bring to the community. That's exactly why we found the February 2026 Draft Framework so concerning.
The Draft Framework organizes the future park into eight districts.
It applies quiet, residential-compatible character along the edges that border Santa Monica's own neighborhoods.
These areas received thoughtful buffers to ensure peace and privacy for residents.
The southern edge — along Airport Avenue with 106 single family homes framing the City border — is currently assigned an Arts & Culture area designation.
A dynamic zone organized around food, performance, events, and crowds.
Instead of a quiet buffer, an entertainment corridor is proposed, pressing up against our homes and backyards.
The southern edge of the current Airport2Park draft framework should be planned as passive green space and natural buffer that honors the 100+ LA homes along its boundary.
The southern edge of the Airport2Park should be planned as passive green space and natural buffer.
Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project seems to acknowledge the importance of neighborhood compatibility, but that plan seems to shift when the framework for the largest residential border is considered.
The Framework's Arts & Culture district would place food halls, amphitheaters, and event programming directly against our backyards. Here is what it currently proposes — and why the placement is incompatible with a residential boundary.
Not an arts and culture corridor or entertainment venue. High-activity programming should not be placed directly against homes where families sleep and children play.
Put active programming on the north side. Reserve the southern boundary for quiet, green space that makes a neighborhood proud.
Scan. Sign. Show up. Every household on record strengthens our community standing.
Add your household to the formal record at sign.moveon.org. Every signature counts. Share with neighbors.
MAKE IT RIGHT PETITIONReach out if you want to get involved in community meetings as well as City Council public comments.
Email us at marvistaneighbors90066@gmail.com
Request a lawn sign to support the effort.
Email us at marvistaneighbors90066@gmail.com
