Century-old US airport to shut down to make way for taxpayer-funded park as critics push for housing

A California airport that has operated for more than 100 years is set to close - and not without controversy.

The airport is scheduled to close Dec. 31, 2028.

The airport has already operated under strict limitations in recent years, including restrictions on late-night activity.

"Although arrivals are permitted 24 hours a day, pilots are requested to avoid all operations between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Friday or until 8 a.m. on weekends," the city said.

The agreement also allowed the city to shorten the runway as part of efforts to limit airport activity.

Once closed, the site will be redeveloped into a large-scale public space. 

Community input has played a major role in shaping the proposal, with the city hosting dozens of public meetings and collecting thousands of survey responses.

The proposal has sparked debate online. 

Residents took to the r/SantaMonica subreddit to sound off on the decision.

Some residents voiced support for a large park, pointing to the lack of similar green spaces in Los Angeles.

"Compared to other major cities, L.A. is lacking this type of curated urban park," one user wrote in a discussion about the project.

Others argued the land should be used in a different way.

A third commenter said, "Would love a better way to connect to Ocean Park by foot or bike without 23rd St. Having it be a mix of high-density housing and a park would be great."