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property, for example, than is reasonably necessary; and certainly funds should not be used to acquire rights in all the land, indiscriminately, within a given number of miles of the airport or its runways, regardless of existing use and regardless of cost. The same observation applies in connection with zoning in highly developed surroundings unless nonconforming, pre-existing uses are to be permitted on a broad scale.

C. The Significance of Planning in the Case Existing Airports.
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As shown above, the tendency is to expand existing airports rather than to abandon them, even though they have become crowded by residential and other noncompatible development. While implementation is thus more difficult, even theoretically, than in the case of a new airport in relatively open space, a comprehensive urban development plan is desirable for the area in which the airport is to be located.68 If the ultimate desirable dimensions of the airport, clear zones, and affected areas are incorporated in a plan that effectively governs changes in the use of property, the area in question may, hopefully, over the years, be gradually turned to compatible uses without inordinate expense. Such an effort should include an inventory of all properties in the affected areas, a watchful eye on use and ownership, and conversion to compatible use as it becomes necessary or reasonably practical.


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