Robert D. Williams
School Facilities Planning Division
Department of Education
721 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA

Proposed Alternate School Sites, Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Santa Cruz County

In response to your request of November 17 and 19, 1987, and Section 39006 of the Education Code, the California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, has evaluated the school sites proposed by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Santa Cruz County.

The sites, listed as A, B, C, D, E and F (corrected) are located around the Watsonville Airport and within 1000 feet (0.19 miles) to 7500 feet (1.42 miles), also site D is located 800 feet north of the Watsonville Community Hospital Heliport. The analysis consisted of a thorough review of our files concerning the subject airport and heliport, including the facilities records and topographical maps of the area.

Watsonville Airport is a very active public owned public-use airport with approximately 400 based aircraft and has 160,000 to 180,000 aircraft operations per year. The airport manager, the Watsonville city manager, and the assistant administrator of Watsonville Community Hospital were given an opportunity to respond, and their comments were considered.

Our evaluation of the six proposed school sites revealed that three of the sites, A (The Edwards Property), D and E, are located within the airport traffic area and considerable overflights would occur and possible overflights during operations involving instrument weather conditions. This potential of overflight with respect to noise and safety would not be compatible with school development. Sites B, C and F are located, with respect to distance and direction, such that the potential for random overflights would be low and should not present an unduly hazardous situation.

The Department cannot guarantee the safety of B, C, or F (or any) site. Based upon our evaluation of existing conditions and planned development, site B, C, or F is considered to provide the level of safety suitable for a school. Barring acquisition of

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these or other more suitable locations, we do not object to proposed site B C or F. The Department does object to purchase of site A D and E for school purposes.

Sincerely,

JACK D. KEMMERLY, Chief Division of Aeronautic

original signed by

Carl E. Smith
Aviation Consultant

bcc: Jerry Laumer - Dist. 5