Park Ridge voters say ‘yes’ to federal review of O’Hare noise

Park Ridge residents said “yes” Tuesday for help from the federal government when it comes to reviewing O’Hare Airport noise and air pollution standards.

Unofficial vote totals show 85 percent of Park Ridge voters approved an advisory referendum asking, “Shall Congress pass a law that requires the Federal Aviation Administration to revisit the criteria it has used to establish noise and air pollution standards related to O’Hare Airport air traffic, and further requires that the Federal Aviation Administration incorporate local community input from the areas affected by new air traffic patterns in that process?”

Jim Argionis, chairman of Park Ridge’s O’Hare Airport Commission, said the group will likely recommend that the results of the referendum be shared with local congressmen, Federal Aviation Administration leaders, the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission and members of the Quiet Skies Caucus.

This caucus, which includes Illinois U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley and Tammy Duckworth — in addition to 11 other members of Congress from six states — was formed last month to address aircraft noise issues and raise awareness.

Argionis said a letter to these groups and individuals may be crafted by the O’Hare Commission and presented to Park Ridge’s mayor and aldermen for their input and signatures.

The fact that Park Ridge is not alone in its protest of airport noise and pollution can help the city in its pursuit of relief, Argionis believes.

“There’s a whole new group of people who are complaining about the noise and are impacted by the changes at O’Hare,” he said. “We’re hoping this [referendum result] give additional evidence and support for our elected officials to work with the FAA and get some mitigation measures in place.”

Park Ridge attempted to get the FAA to perform a new environmental impact study, but has not been successful.

Mayor David Schmidt did recently get the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission to back its request for a supplemental environmental impact study, though Barry Cooper, FAA Great Lakes regional administrator, has stated that a new study will not be conducted unless a “reevaluation” looking at noise and air quality warrants it.

This reevaluation is currently taking place and the ONCC has asked that it be completed by January.

- Source:  http://niles.suntimes.com