Chicago Tribune: Making O'Hare Modernization Project work for all

The following article appeared in the Chicago Tribune on September 28, 2013. A link to the article can be found here.

As a recent letter to the editor correctly observes, I am in favor of modernizing O'Hare International Airport. The new runways will mean safer and more efficient airline operation, and the expansion means billions of dollars to the regional economy and thousands of jobs for local workers. In fact, more than 12,000 jobs in my district are tied to the airport.

But I share my constituents' concern about noise and want them to know that I am doing everything I can to minimize the impact of additional aircraft that some residents will see. I've pushed for more funding for soundproofing and, along with Ald. Marge Laurino, 39th, successfully had a noise monitor placed at North Park Village.

I want to explore the possibility of decreasing the current federal noise thresholds, making residents eligible for soundproofing. And working with the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, I hope we can safely tweak air-traffic patterns to lessen noise pollution from the skies.

The new runways are coming. They will be good for the economy and millions of air travelers. Let's make them good for the neighborhoods as well.