The historic Santa Monica Airport, operating for over a hundred years, will shutter its runways at the end of 2028. While one camp pushes for the entire 227 acres to become a public park, another proposes dedicating 25% of the site to 3,000 affordable‑housing units, leaving the rest as green space.

25% of the airport slated for 3,000 low‑ and moderate‑income homes

Proponents of the housing plan have filed an initiative that, if qualified for the November ballot, would reserve roughly 57 acres for residential development. The proposal envisions 3,000 units aimed at workers who struggle with Westside rents, a figure that would markedly increase the supply of affordable housing in a traditionally affluent area. According to the source, the remaining 75% of the land would stay as a park, attempting a compromise between open space and housing needs.

Park‑only advocates demand all 227 acres stay green

Opposition groups argue that the entire airport site sholud be transformed into a single, contiguous park. They contend that preserving the full 227 acres would provide a rare expanse of public recreation in a densely built‑up coastal city.. The source notes that these advocates view any housing development as a threat to the ecological and community benefits a large park could deliver.

Affordable‑housing pressure in wealthy Westside neighborhoods

The clash reflects a broader affordability crisis affecting Santa Monica and surrounding Westside communities, where many essential workers cannot afford local rents. As the source highlights, thousannds of employees commute to the area daily, yet the high cost of living forces them to live far away , lengthening commutes and straining regional infrastructure.

Ballot initiative faces verification hurdles

To appear on the November ballot, the housing proposal must meet signature‑collection thresholds and survive legal scrutiny. The source indicates that the initiative’s supporters are still gathering support, and opponents warn that the process could be delayed or blocked by procedural challenges.

Who will decide the airport’s fate?

The ultimate decision will rest with Santa Monica voters,city officials, and possibly state courts,all of whom must weigh the competing visions.. as the source points out, the debate underscores a tension between preserving open space and addressing a dire shortage of affordable homes in a high‑cost market.