When Dan Feger joined the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority 28 years ago, his mission was clear: build a new terminal to replace the one built in 1930. The Federal Aviation Administration said the existing terminal was too close to the runway—just 250 ft. Officials bought land. But the community would have none of it.
Years of lawsuits, community opposition and political rancor among Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena city officials followed. But now, thanks to new leadership and vigorous outreach, the chances finally look good for the 14-gate, 355,000-sq-ft new terminal, estimated at $400 million, that will meet federal requirements—and catch up with widespread airport trends of better amenities, intermodal connections and security requirements.