By Stephen Witt
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of stories on Whiteman Airport.
The ongoing heated debate over the future of Whiteman Airport intensified this week as Roberto Barragan, executive director of Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods (ICON) CDC, said the study the nonprofit commissioned clearly shows the county-owned property could generate significantly more revenue if redeveloped than it currently does as an aviation facility.
ICON’s office at 13168 Van Nuys Blvd is blocks away from the controversial airport, and Barragan, a Southern California native and Ivy League school graduate, is a fierce advocate for improving the economic environment for Valley populations that are underemployed, underpaid, undereducated, and underhoused.
“Whiteman Airport closed and properly redeveloped would be a huge revenue generator for the county, for the city, and provide for jobs and income into a community that desperately needs it,” said Barragan, directly challenging claims made by airport supporters about the facility’s economic value.
While some aviation advocates have claimed the airport generates $100 million annually for the county, Barragan’s consultant reviewed county records and found the actual figure to be far lower.
The 184-acre property, located in the heart of Pacoima, has become a flashpoint in discussions about land use and community benefit. The study commissioned by ICON outlines a comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes specific companies and development proposals, while preserving space for emergency services operated by LA Fire Department.
“We have never suggested that the emergency part of the airport be closed. That’s never even been part of the conversation,” Barragan clarified, addressing misconceptions that have circulated among airport supporters.
A Question of Community Benefit
Barragan framed the debate in stark terms, characterizing it as a question of whose interests should take priority in land-use decisions. He pointed out that the airport primarily serves approximately 600 private plane owners, while the surrounding Pacoima community faces higher poverty, dropout, and homelessness rates than much of Los Angeles.
“A larger Latino community is insisting on being part of the conversation to determine the future of 184 acres of land that can have incredible job creation and economic benefit” for northeast San Fernando Valley residents,” said Barragan.
Barragan criticized the composition of the county’s aviation commission, noting that its members are aviation enthusiasts whose role is to support aviation interests rather than evaluate the highest and best use of county-owned real estate.
“You have a commission that’s basically a bunch of aviation aficionados and supportive people,” he said. “They’re not speaking to what’s better for the county and the residents.”
Development Vision
The ICON study envisions multiple development possibilities for the property, ranging from open space and educational facilities to light industrial, retail, and large-scale commercial development similar to the Empire Center. The property’s proximity to the new light rail line adds to its development potential.
Barragan dismissed proposals for a “hybrid solution” that would maintain some aviation use while developing portions of the property, calling such compromises inadequate for addressing the community’s needs.
“Why not?” Barragan asked, challenging opponents to justify continued aviation use. “This is 184 acres of prime real estate, and there’s better use for anything from open space to educational to light industrial to retail to Empire Center level kind of development.”
He was particularly critical of discussions about future urban air mobility or air taxis using the facility, calling such proposals speculative and decades away from reality.
Responding to Critics
When asked about critics who suggest ICON has a vested interest in the airport’s closure, Barragan acknowledged his organization’s advocacy role but denied any financial stake in the outcome.
“I don’t own any part of Whiteman Airport. I don’t own any real estate around Whiteman Airport,” he said. “Tell me how I have a vested interest. Yes, this is going to serve our mission as an organization. Is it going to result in any dollars to us? I can’t imagine where or how.”
Barragan said he would “gladly take credit” for being behind the push to close the airport and redevelop the property, describing it as potentially “the biggest new real estate development in the Valley in so many years.”
The debate over Whiteman Airport’s future continues as community members, aviation supporters, and county officials weigh competing visions for the property’s use. A recent aviation commission meeting at the airport facility drew criticism for inadequate public notice, raising questions about transparency in the decision-making process.
County officials have not yet announced a timeline for any decisions regarding the airport’s future.
Comments 3
Regarding the airport opponents: Monica Rodriquez, Pacoima Beautiful, & ICON CDC:
San Fernando Sun:
“Although all of these airport opponents seek development, details vary: Monica Rodriguez promotes new construction; likewise, Pacoima Beautiful proposes building “over 1000” new homes and industrial buildings while ICON CDC emphasizes a “strategic objective” of converting Whiteman into private, for-profit commercial real estate. All of these ideas have been publicly pitched, and each has been thoroughly panned by Angelenos, who preferred keeping Whiteman open.”
ABC 7 Eyewitness News:
“VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Fighting fires from the air is crucial in battling flames when a fire breaks out. All the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s aircraft are stored at airports in the North San Fernando Valley. – In Pacoima, the Fire Department Air Operations unit maintains a fleet of helicopters year-round at Whiteman Airport. Within minutes of a call, the helicopters are off the ground, ready to respond to a fire. – “As we move further into fire season and our field moisture begins to drop to a critical level, it’s important for us to be able to have a fleet of aircraft that can operate in various types of terrain and conditions,” said L.A. County Fire Batt. Chief Robert Gaylor.” –
Chief Robert Gaylor, fire chief of Barton Heliport at Whiteman airport, is on County record as opposed to a Whiteman closure. A staging area would be lost, and should the Air Traffic Control tower close departures would be reliant on Hollywood Burbank Airport’s ATC tower, and that would delay departures.
Plus, btw the Barton Heliport at Whiteman is an LA County Dept. base, not an LA Fire Dept facility.
Plus, you haven’t detailed where 2400 cars would park should a previous plan you wrote about come about.
Plus, it would appear you feature folks that place revenue ahead of community interest.
Plus, re; air taxi operations… Have you not heard that Archer Aviation just acquired control of Hawthorne Airport? Have you not heard of the air taxi plans at Santa Monica Airport?
Plus, KWHP is an important FAA NAS “reliever airport.” Perhaps you noticed what happened nationwide when airport operations were reduced for commercial and general aviation operations?
Plus, maybe you have not heard of the lawsuits at Oceanside and Bolder?
Plus, the frosting on the cake: like the above airports that have been the recipient of AIP FAA Grants to purchase real estate by FAA standards the airports are REQUIRED to stay open, and Whiteman as such, enjoys the benefit of PERPETUITY. Anything other than that would spark legal battles.
Sir, why not use your writing skills to emphasize all of the benefits that Whiteman offers? Why not seek out the studies ordered by the County that contradict the false statements of fact often spread by those who desire to exploit community resources in order to pitch devotement plans, predicted income and alleged campaign contributions.
And then there are other available real estate opportunities. Airports save lives, provide community service AND income for the neighborhood. On the other hand, will golfers save your house if it’s on fire? Will golfers transport lifesaving organs, will golf courses produce tons of golfers that can make a living at golf? Perhaps they are next? Maybe you shouldn’t consider those expensive golf clubs for Christmas this year. – Ron Berinstein – SCAUWG.ORG
Regarding the airport opponents: Monica Rodriquez, Pacoima Beautiful, & ICON CDC:
San Fernando Sun:
“Although all of these airport opponents seek development, details vary: Monica Rodriguez promotes new construction; likewise, Pacoima Beautiful proposes building “over 1000” new homes and industrial buildings while ICON CDC emphasizes a “strategic objective” of converting Whiteman into private, for-profit commercial real estate. All of these ideas have been publicly pitched, and each has been thoroughly panned by Angelenos, who preferred keeping Whiteman open.”
ABC 7 Eyewitness News:
“VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Fighting fires from the air is crucial in battling flames when a fire breaks out. All the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s aircraft are stored at airports in the North San Fernando Valley. – In Pacoima, the Fire Department Air Operations unit maintains a fleet of helicopters year-round at Whiteman Airport. Within minutes of a call, the helicopters are off the ground, ready to respond to a fire. – “As we move further into fire season and our field moisture begins to drop to a critical level, it’s important for us to be able to have a fleet of aircraft that can operate in various types of terrain and conditions,” said L.A. County Fire Batt. Chief Robert Gaylor.” –
Chief Robert Gaylor, fire chief of Barton Heliport at Whiteman airport, is on County record as opposed to a Whiteman closure. A staging area would be lost, and should the Air Traffic Control tower close departures would be reliant on Hollywood Burbank Airport’s ATC tower, and that would delay departures.
Plus, btw the Barton Heliport at Whiteman is an LA County Dept. base, not an LA Fire Dept facility.
Plus, you haven’t detailed where 2400 cars would park should a previous plan you wrote about come about.
Plus, it would appear you feature folks that place revenue ahead of community interest.
Plus, re; air taxi operations… Have you not heard that Archer Aviation just acquired control of Hawthorne Airport? Have you not heard of the air taxi plans at Santa Monica Airport?
Plus, KWHP is an important FAA NAS “reliever airport.” Perhaps you noticed what happened nationwide when airport operations were reduced for commercial and general aviation operations?
Plus, maybe you have not heard of the lawsuits at Oceanside and Bolder?
Plus, the frosting on the cake: like the above airports that have been the recipient of AIP FAA Grants to purchase real estate by FAA standards the airports are REQUIRED to stay open, and Whiteman as such, enjoys the benefit of PERPETUITY. Anything other than that would spark legal battles.
Sir, why not use your writing skills to emphasize all of the benefits that Whiteman offers? Why not seek out the studies ordered by the County that contradict the false statements of fact often spread by those who desire to exploit community resources in order to pitch devotement plans, predicted income and alleged campaign contributions.
And then there are other available real estate opportunities. Airports save lives, provide community service AND income for the neighborhood. On the other hand, will golfers save your house if it’s on fire? Will golfers transport lifesaving organs, will golf courses produce tons of golfers that can make a living at golf? Perhaps they are next? Maybe you shouldn’t consider those expensive golf clubs for Christmas this year. – Ron Berinstein – SCAUWG.ORG
Regarding the airport opponents: Monica Rodriquez, Pacoima Beautiful, & ICON CDC:
San Fernando Sun:
“Although all of these airport opponents seek development, details vary: Monica Rodriguez promotes new construction; likewise, Pacoima Beautiful proposes building “over 1000” new homes and industrial buildings while ICON CDC emphasizes a “strategic objective” of converting Whiteman into private, for-profit commercial real estate. All of these ideas have been publicly pitched, and each has been thoroughly panned by Angelenos, who preferred keeping Whiteman open.”
ABC 7 Eyewitness News:
“VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Fighting fires from the air is crucial in battling flames when a fire breaks out. All the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s aircraft are stored at airports in the North San Fernando Valley. – In Pacoima, the Fire Department Air Operations unit maintains a fleet of helicopters year-round at Whiteman Airport. Within minutes of a call, the helicopters are off the ground, ready to respond to a fire. – “As we move further into fire season and our field moisture begins to drop to a critical level, it’s important for us to be able to have a fleet of aircraft that can operate in various types of terrain and conditions,” said L.A. County Fire Batt. Chief Robert Gaylor.” –
Chief Robert Gaylor, fire chief of Barton Heliport at Whiteman airport, is on County record as opposed to a Whiteman closure. A staging area would be lost, and should the Air Traffic Control tower close departures would be reliant on Hollywood Burbank Airport’s ATC tower, and that would delay departures.
Plus, btw the Barton Heliport at Whiteman is an LA County Dept. base, not an LA Fire Dept facility.
Plus, you haven’t detailed where 2400 cars would park should a previous plan you wrote about come about.
Plus, it would appear you feature folks that place revenue ahead of community interest.
Plus, re; air taxi operations… Have you not heard that Archer Aviation just acquired control of Hawthorne Airport? Have you not heard of the air taxi plans at Santa Monica Airport?
Plus, KWHP is an important FAA NAS “reliever airport.” Perhaps you noticed what happened nationwide when airport operations were reduced for commercial and general aviation operations?
Plus, maybe you have not heard of the lawsuits at Oceanside and Bolder?
Plus, the frosting on the cake: like the above airports that have been the recipient of AIP FAA Grants to purchase real estate by FAA standards the airports are REQUIRED to stay open, and Whiteman as such, enjoys the benefit of PERPETUITY. Anything other than that would spark legal battles.
Sir, why not use your writing skills to emphasize all of the benefits that Whiteman offers? Why not seek out the studies ordered by the County that contradict the false statements of fact often spread by those who desire to exploit community resources in order to pitch devotement plans, predicted income and alleged campaign contributions.
And then there are other available real estate opportunities. Airports save lives, provide community service AND income for the neighborhood. On the other hand, will golfers save your house if it’s on fire? Will golfers transport lifesaving organs, will golf courses produce tons of golfers that can make a living at golf? Perhaps they are next? Maybe you shouldn’t consider those expensive golf clubs for Christmas this year. – Ron Berinstein – SCAUWG.ORG