If the baiduhai is going to assess the success of the noise-reduction efforts of the City of Chicago and the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, then it has an obligation to review these efforts in their entirety and not just air the predictable, critical comments from longtime airport opponents.
The harsh criticism in the Dec. 23 editorial “Daley and the din at dawn” is undeserved. Chicago has been innovative and aggressive in dealing with aircraft noise. Mayor Richard M. Daley has committed more money than any other mayor in the country–$300 million–to noise-reduction efforts such as the Fly Quiet program, home and school soundproofing and the “Hush House.” Unlike any other U.S. mayor, Mayor Daley has shared the decision-making about how to spend those funds with the 25 regional leaders who are now members of the Noise Compatibility Commission.
A comprehensive review would show that the Fly Quiet program, though in its infancy, is already delivering results. Fly Quiet is an aggressive program to direct nighttime aircraft operations over more compatible land areas–such as industrial corridors and forest preserves–to minimize the impact on residential neighborhoods.
Already, 90 percent of flights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. are adhering to the Fly Quiet program and flying along the recommended tracks. The “Aviator’s Guide to Noise Abatement” manuals are clearly in the hands of the FAA controllers, who determine where the planes taking off or landing at O’Hare will go.
We are not resting on our laurels, and we have never backed away from addressing operational issues. The O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission is now working with the airlines to address the so-called “shoulder hours” of operation from 10 to 11 p.m. and 6 to 7 a.m.
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While there was an increase in telephone complaints during the summer months, there was also a huge decrease in November (2,000 fewer calls) from the 3,500 that were received during October. This statistic went unreported, and the coverage of the telephone calls lacked proper perspective. This year’s complaints, despite the publicity and best efforts of anti-airport activists, fall short of the 18,000 in one year we received on the noise hotline about 12 years ago.
Fly Quiet is a true regional partnership to make the airport more compatible with neighboring communities while preserving the economic engine of the Midwest region. Mayor Daley’s efforts to work with regional leaders stands in great contrast to the opponents of the airport, who have been bringing lawsuits rather than working on meaningful solutions.
In just one year, the city and the Noise Compatibility Commission have accomplished more than any litigation ever would. It is a fresh and effective approach and one that should be fully described to your readers.