By Ruth SOWBY

The Hollywood Burbank Airport has a rich history. In 1930 the airport opened. In fact, some of the old buildings are still in use today. In 1977 the cities of Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena together first owned and operated the airport. The airport was legally and formerly marketed as the Bob Hope Airport after entertainer Bob Hope. In 2017 the airport was rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport due to the lack of recognition of Bob Hope Airport’s geographic region. (The airport is located three miles northwest of downtown Burbank.)  

A new terminal is sorely needed for three reasons: the terminal building is too close to runways; it is seismically deficient; there are not enough facilities for the disabled. To reach the terminal’s one elevator, for instance, travelers must go through the kitchen.

In addressing these needs, the City of Glendale is looking at replacement programs for the terminal, which will be relocated. Gate 14 would also be replaced. These changes are estimated to cost $1.3 billion. 

The City is considering a “progressive design builder” that would start reconstruction in late 2022. According to the website Performance Services, the term progressive design builder refers to the way a construction project design is developed by the owner and the design-builder in a step-by-step process. It is thought that the progressive design of the Hollywood Burbank Airport would move faster and be better controlled with all agencies brought together. 

The timeline for the project is as follows: 2024 Construction starts. 2026 The new terminal would open and be in operation. 2027 The existing terminal is demolished.

The City is currently looking at three firms known as progressive design builders and will begin the interview process on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17.

Councilmember Ara Najarian reminded the Council and those in attendance that two trains are accessible to the airport for “Train to Plane” travel. 

“People are scared of LAX and all the madness that goes on there,” said Najarian.   

In other news, community announcements included a compost give-away on Nov. 5 at Parking Lot 30, 1255 N. Verdugo Road in Glendale, which is located near Glendale Community College and south of Mountain Street. Participants should bring a sturdy container for the compost they want.

A free health fair takes place at the Pacific Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave. in Glendale on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dental and vision services will be provided at no cost.

There will also be a no-cost workshop on mental health intervention. Another workshop is planned that will cover the dangers of fentanyl. Vaccines will also be available.