Public raises advanced air mobility concerns; Archer/Kilroy MOU and symposium cited

At the Feb. 5 roundtable meeting a public commenter discussed advanced air mobility developments, noting a memorandum of understanding between Archer (an EVTOL manufacturer) and Kilroy that identifies Kilroy’s Oyster Point redevelopment in South San Francisco as a potential hub.

Darlene Yapley said the HMMH consultant had shown a slide on advanced air mobility at the Dec. 4 meeting and highlighted a planned Aviation Noise and Emissions Symposium, March 10–12, where South San Francisco Principal Planner Billy Gross will appear on a “Future Ready Cities” panel alongside national attorney Peter Kirsch. Yapley said the panel will examine how cities can proactively shape AAM policies, including takeoff and landing restrictions, night curfews and limits on operations — functions Yapley said cities, not the FAA, hold under land-use authority.

Why it matters: Advanced air mobility proposals — including EVTOL air taxis — could introduce new operations near shorelines and developed hubs; city land-use authority and early policy work are central to how those operations are regulated locally.

What was shared Yapley described the Archer–Kilroy MOU and said Kilroy’s Oyster Point is under study as a waterfront mobility hub for EVTOL aircraft and electric ferry operations using renewable energy. She encouraged roundtable members to consider attending the March symposium, and she credited roundtable member Mark Nagales for helping secure the planner’s participation.

Next steps Yapley and members urged cities to consider zoning and land‑use tools now so they can direct advanced air mobility siting and operational rules rather than reacting after networks are established. The roundtable did not take action at the meeting but members were encouraged to attend the symposium and continue monitoring AAM developments.