Less O'Hare Noise In Elmhurst's Future: Official

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst is hearing less aircraft noise these days – and the situation is expected to get even better, an official said Tuesday.

At a City Council meeting, Alderman Bob Dunn reported that Elmhurst has been a beneficiary of years-long efforts to lessen noise from O'Hare, which is north of town.

Dunn, who represents northside Ward 2, has long been the vice chairman of the Fly Quiet Committee, a part of the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.

"Our poor neighbors in Wood Dale took one of the bigger increases with the O'Hare modernization project," Dunn said. "The good thing is that we saw a pretty dramatic reduction in noise down near Elmhurst because of the move from (relying) heavily on diagonal (runways) to more of an east-west configuration for the airport."

Over the next decade, residents should hear even less noise, Dunn said.

"I think you'll notice more so on the north side of town slightly less noise in the future," Dunn said. "I don't really get calls anymore on noise. When I first came on the council 12 years ago, I got a lot, so I'm thinking it's boding well for Elmhurst."

Dunn decided against seeking a fourth term on the council in the April election. Instead, he is running for the Elmhurst Park District board.