Friday, February 2, 2001
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Friday, February 2, 2001 |
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FAA gets an earful at 5th runway hearing By JOHN
THOMPSON
They came from the hamlets and villages scattered on the south side of Atlanta to let officials know that a fifth runway for Hartsfield's International Airport would affect their lives. While no official estimate was provided, between 500 and 700 residents crowded into the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park Tuesday afternoon to gather information and voice their opinions on the draft environmental impact study for the runway compiled by the FAA. Officials have already received approval to build a 6,000-foot commuter runway, but Atlanta and airport officials want a 9,000-foot runway that they say would cut down on the region's emissions problems. The new runway would be shifted 1,900 feet east of Interstate 285 and Riverdale Road and require traffic infrastructure improvements, such as running Riverdale Road under the proposed runway. As the public hearing began, residents learned that all public comments would be considered until Feb. 26 with a final decision rendered this summer. One of the first speakers to make his voice known was Terry Lawler, who represented Georgians for Better Transportation. Lawler was one of the few who spoke in favor of the runway and agreed with airport officials that emissions would be lowered because planes would spend less time idling. One of the other speakers who agreed with the runway proposal was Peachtree City's Luke Ott, who represented the Airline Pilots Association. "The delays are real. There are 1,000 issues to contemplate, but it would be best to extend the runway," he said. But the residents who opposed the idea far outnumbered those in favor of the project. One of the most telling displays came from Henry St. John, who lives near one of the current runways. St. John played a tape of him attempting to watch television. As the hushed crowd strained to hear the tape, the only audible sound was of a jet taking off over his house. College Park's Valencia Seay has already been bought out by officials seeking land for the project, but urged all officials to be truthful. "We were told this was only going to be for a commuter runway," she said. Speaker after speaker told stories of how their lives were affected by the current airport operations. Elizabeth Lang, who lives on Old National Highway, said her legacy is being threatened. "This is our home. It's not just something that can be bulldozed and buried," she said. FAA officials said they will have the final environmental impact study prepared this summer, and reach a decision shortly after it's finished.
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