Let leaders know feelings about airport expansion

Chicago Executive Airport is in the final phase of its master plan. They are looking to grow the airport from the current 5,000-foot main runway.

It was determined in the facilities forecast that the optimal length of the new runway be 6,200 feet plus runway safety area at each end. The airport is land locked and cannot accommodate a longer runway; it would have to cross a major roadway. With a longer runway comes an increase in weight limit to over 100,000 lbs. opening up Pandora's box. The airport is forging ahead and has hired consultants to reach out to stakeholders to get their buy-in for expansion. Expect lots of propaganda. They say the airport is an economic engine for the region, but no mention of the negative impact.

There is little the airport contributes to the coffers of Prospect Heights and Wheeling. Fuel sales tax must go to airport purposes.

The trickle down from users of the airport is overstated. With expansion, comes displacement of residents and business that pay taxes and are replaced with tax-exempt airport property. It will also cause further detriment to the quality of life and property values of thousands of noise-weary residents living around the airport. Let's also keep in mind the construction gridlock associated with tunneling Palatine Road under a runway. A new runway would need to be approved by the boards of Wheeling and Prospect Heights before any construction begins. We need to let our elected officials know where we stand regarding airport expansion.

Save the date for a public airport meeting Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, 1090 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, for residents to voice concerns.

Steve Neff

Wheeling