The O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC) and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) celebrated the Commission’s 30th Anniversary earlier this month. The celebration was held in the Terminal 3 Rotunda Mezzanine.
Established in July 1996, the ONCC began with an invitation from the City of Chicago to suburban mayors to begin constructive discussions on aircraft noise issues. Its first meeting took place in January 1997. Successes from the ONCC’s thirty years of work include:
- Grown to include 43 member communities and 18 school districts;
- Oversaw sound insulation of more than 12,000 homes through the CDA O’Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program;
- Oversaw sound Insulation of 124 schools through the CDA O’Hare School Sound Insulation Program; and
- Developed a new Fly Quiet Program for O’Hare, which is awaiting approval.
“We’ve accomplished great things together over the last 30 years,” said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. “The ONCC, along with the Midway Noise Compatibility Commission, has served as a template for airports worldwide to approach the question of noise mitigation in collaboration with their neighboring communities.”
“As new challenges arise, I'm confident the spirit of cooperation that has defined ONCC will remain strong,” said ONCC Chair Joe Annunzio, who represents the Village of Niles. “We will keep working together — productively, respectfully, and through sound policy — to reduce the impact of aircraft noise for the residents of our region.”
The ONCC holds more than 20 public meetings each year, providing an avenue for public input on its important work serving our communities. For more information about the ONCC, visit www.oharenoise.org.
