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Executive airport failing on noise

The Board at Chicago Executive Airport let down noise-frustrated neighbors once again when it voted down on a 25-year-old FAA recommended and approved noise abatement procedure. A simple left turn, known as the 310 departure, would take northbound jet noise out over an industrial area and away from homes and a middle school.

The FAA provided guidance to the airports in 1992 and again in 2008 on how to mitigate noise through an FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study. Neighbors of the airport have been long suffering with the growing trend of jet aircraft taking off and landing at all hours of the day and night.

It is the responsibility of the airport to implement noise abatement measures. In 25 years, they haven't been able to get it together. They even turned away federal grant money for sound attenuating homes.

To receive $9.5 million for five consecutive years in grants, they had to contribute only $250,000. Now the 310 procedure, which would have significantly shifted the noise contour out of neighborhoods north of the airport, has been dismissed for lack of funding. The appointed CEA board members continue to disappoint. The airport wants to remain relevant for the future and is looking for ways to grow.

The owners of the airport, the citizens of Prospect Heights and Wheeling, should have a say in how it operates. A public hearing on noise is scheduled for Nov. 28 between at 6 p.m. at The Ramada Inn in Wheeling. If you are some of the unlucky people adversely affected by unwelcomed airport noise make it known.! It is your chance, for the record, to leave comments to the FAA and the airport.

Steve Neff

Wheeling

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