Get FAA involved in noise complaints

Have you had enough yet, Elk Grove Village? Have you had enough of Chicago's one-sided, punitive choice of runways being used at O'Hare? Have you had enough of trying to enjoy the spring weather outside, talk to your neighbors, do some gardening or barbecue? Have you had enough of how callously the city of Chicago treats you?

Are you tired of the city using runway 9L over Biesterfield Road for 15 straight hours, day after day? Are you tired of the city using 9L for the majority of arrivals that, according to official documents, should be approaching from the east? Will Elk Grove Village continue to suffer unreasonable volumes of flights until the last runway is completed in 2020? If then?

Are you tired of your concerns falling on deaf ears? Have you had enough of calling the noise reporting line or using their online service request form? Has the city ever contacted you about your reports? Have they made any changes based on your concerns? Has anything ever been done?

If you're like me, the answer is no.

Runway 9L has now been used for six days in a row and 10 of the first 17 days of April - an absurd usage, far exceeding the limits in the Environmental Impact Statement.

I encourage you to contact the FAA directly. The FAA website lists an email address, mailing address and phone number for contact about aircraft noise.

After all, when the FAA approved the O'Hare expansion, that decision was based on specific runway usage limits. If the city ignores those limits and inappropriately directs flights over Elk Grove Village, the FAA needs to remind them they have documented requirements that need to be met lest they lose their federal approval and funding.

The city won't stop unless someone tells them to stop.

Alan Boffice

Elk Grove Village