Bloomingdale voters to weigh in on O'Hare noise

Bloomingdale is joining several other suburbs by asking voters for their opinions about airplane noise at O'Hare International Airport.

The village board agreed Monday night to put three advisory questions on the Nov. 4 ballot related to O'Hare noise.

"This is an opportunity for our residents to weigh in on the issue," Village President Franco Coladipietro said. "Hopefully, it will show the level of impact that this is having on people's lives."

Since the completion of a new runway in October, O'Hare air traffic has shifted to an east/west flow instead of in multiple directions. That has upset thousands of area residents unaccustomed to airplane noise.

"The traffic that has started to affect Bloomingdale is almost transforming our way of life in the community," Coladipietro said. "It's a significant issue in the community and we're just looking for the FAA to enforce the fly rules correctly. They need to take into consideration the impact this is having on our community."

Bloomingdale's first ballot question asks if the Environmental Protection Agency or another federal agency should enforce the regulations of the Noise Control Act of 1972.

The second question asks if airlines should be required to reduce airport noise between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Right now, the Federal Aviation Administration's "fly-quiet" restriction is voluntary for airlines.

The third question that will be posed Bloomingdale voters asks if the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission should increase the residential soundproofing in Bloomingdale neighborhoods near the airport to remediate aircraft noise.

Other towns that will have similar noise questions on the general election ballot include Bensenville, Itasca and Wood Dale.

Like officials in those towns, Coladipietro acknowledges the ballot questions are nonbinding. Still, the hope to get the attention of FAA officials and members of Congress.

"It's reached such a level of impact in people's lives that it goes beyond just calling in to a hotline to complain," Coladipietro said. "This is providing support for our congressmen and women to advocate the issue."