Aldermen Vent Frustrations About Increased O'Hare Noise
CHICAGO (CBS) -- At a City Council budget hearing on Friday, Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino had to handle several pointed questions about the noise at O'Hare International Airport.
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th) was among several Northwest Side aldermen who have said their residents have complained vociferously about the increased jet noise in their neighborhoods over the past year, thanks to new flight patterns at O'Hare.
Laurino said since the city opened the new Runway 27L last year, there have been constant complaints going unanswered.
"I think that my neighbors feel, once again, they didn't move next to the airport, but O'Hare moved next to them," Laurino said. "They're frustrated. They're angry, and I don't blame them, because I feel the same way."
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Laurino said many people have been calling their gripes to the city's 311 city phone number, and she wants to know what the Aviation Department is doing to address those concerns.
Andolino, who son will step down as the city's aviation chief, said there's only so much the city can do. She said flight paths won't change.
"I can't say to you that we're going to stop flying. I can't tell you that we're going to change what we're doing," she said.
Laurino interjected no one was suggesting O'Hare shut down any runways, or stop flying planes.
"We're looking for improvements," she said.
Andolino insisted city officials are listening to the complaints from O'Hare neighbors.
"We're going to work tirelessly to see about putting in new technologies, and looking at ways that we could balance this economic engine that we call O'Hare, as well as the community quality of life," she said.
Andolino said the city would look at new technology such as the airlines phasing in quieter jets.
"I don't know what the future will bring in technology. I do know that technology is our friend, because it will make our airspace even more efficient, and safer, which also means quieter as well," she said.
