Elmhurst Residents Encouraged To Provide Feedback On Airplane Noise

ELMHURST, IL — The city of Elmhurst is asking all residents to take a survey and voice their concerns of increased airplane noise in the city. According to a release, the request for community support has become essential due to the recent 100 percent increase in nighttime airplane noise affecting specific areas in Elmhurst.

The city said this aircraft noise increase is a result of the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Runway Rotation Plan (RRP) test, which has been implemented to analyze the shared impact of aircraft noise in neighborhoods surrounding O’Hare Airport. The RRP Tests encourage pilots and traffic controllers to use designated nighttime runways. The tests are analyzed by community feedback, including a heavily weighted survey designed for the RRP. Residents can fill out the survey here.

According to the release, every other week during the evening hours of 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. aircraft noise from low flying planes are causing distress to many Elmhurst residents. This test will be in place until Oct. 14. The city said if the survey results for Test #3 show low community feedback, it is possible that this RRP will be the Chicago Department of Aviation’s long-term plan for designated nighttime runway use.

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education of District 205 has also adopted a resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Chicago and Elmhurst School District 205 for participation in the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.

The district said this IGA permits and commits the District 205 Board to join the ONCC. The Board has appointed member Kara Caforio to serve as its initial representative.

“The Board of Education is committed to partnering with other governmental agencies to protect and support quality of life in Elmhurst,” Board president Shannon Ebner said in a release. “We are particularly concerned about the potential of the inequitable flight allocations to interfere with student learning and achievement due to excessive disruptions of sleep and other family activities sustained over significant periods of time throughout the school year.”

The city commended the district for joining the commission. The city said in a release, to have a representative from both governing bodies can only help advocate that a fair, consistent Runway Rotation Plan be achieved.