We would like to explain the Essential Air Service process that has been going on. The City of Carlsbad is a recipient of an Essential Air Service subsidy through the Department of Transportation. Recently, the City was notified that the current provider, Boutique Air, opted out of this agreement. The US DOT then asked for new proposals for the local EAS contract. Boutique submitted a new proposal, as did another company, Advanced Air.
These proposals were sent to members of City Council, as well as members of an ad hoc committee, which was chaired by City Councilor Wes Carter. This committee included a diverse membership representing a variety of organizations. This committee met with both Boutique and Advanced Air. The committee then met a third time to discuss the proposals and voted to recommend Advanced Air.
This recommendation was then presented to City Council at the May 9 Council meeting. After a great discussion, in which excellent points were made on both sides, Council voted, 5-3, in support of the recommendation for Advanced Air. Following the governing body’s vote on this matter, the City of Carlsbad will now submit this recommendation to the U.S. DOT, who will make the final decision.
The key difference between the two proposals is that Boutique’s proposal involves flights from Carlsbad to Dallas/Ft. Worth and Albuquerque, while Advanced Air’s proposal involves flights from Carlsbad to Phoenix and Albuquerque. During Tuesday’s Council meeting, supporters for Boutique spoke about the greater value of the Dallas/Ft. Worth flight. Concerns were also voiced by some Councilors about Boutique’s decision to downsize its EAS business model.
Both the committee’s recommendation and the Council’s recommendation were very tough decisions, and we appreciate everyone’s hard work on researching this difficult topic.
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As many of you have already noticed, the former Executive Suites hotel off Canal Street is in the process of being torn down. This property was purchased some time ago, and we appreciate the new owner’s decision to demolish the property and clean up the area. As you can tell, they are moving very quickly. We do not know what the owner plans to do with this property once the debris is cleared, but it is certainly an excellent location.
Many Carlsbad residents have bittersweet feelings on seeing this building torn down. While recently an eyesore, the hotel and attached restaurant were beautiful at their time, and many residents have fond memories of attending events at the property, which was previously a Ramada Inn, the Carlsbad Inn and a Holiday Inn. We’re optimistic that the owners will do something great with this location.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway