Since Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s new runways opened, the Chicago Department of Aviation, in cahoots with the Federal Aviation Administration, has increased air traffic over the most densely populated areas in the region, resulting in excessive noise and air pollution affecting thousands of families in the way we live, learn and play. They bulldozed homes, destroyed forests and relocated cemeteries. Regardless of our rude O’Hare airport neighbor, there are some aspects to be thankful for:
- Street resurfacing. Thankful to discover many of the street resurfacing projects are not additional O’Hare runway extensions.
- Mosquito abatement. As many areas suffered through swarms of mosquitoes last summer, those living under O’Hare flight paths were relatively mosquito free. Those 190 pounds of jet fuel burned over our homes every flight minute continue to do a fine job.
- Exceptional grilling techniques. No need for checking temperatures or the clock during grilling. Quarter pound burger. Medium = three jet flyovers.
- More sleep. On the days when the FAA Control Center outages occur, flights get grounded and the usual early morning neighborhood wakeup flights did not occur, resulting in more sleep time. The unfortunate consequence of this is it causes many of us to be late for work.
- Private sector employment. The Chicago Department of Aviation commissioner, a political appointee, announced her pending resignation to accept a position in the private sector. This came as a quite a surprise to Chicago area residents, as all had thought she had already been working for the private sector.
- Model for air space control. The successful Russian takeover of Ukrainian Crimea air space was modeled after the FAA takeover of Chicago area air space. The Russians, however, did allow the populace to vote for acceptance of their takeover.
Steve Lushniak, Chicago