Bolingbrook residents press village to act on noise, emissions and alleged pilot harassment at Clow International Airport

Five residents told the Village Board on Sept. 9 that recent increases in activity at Clow International Airport are harming quality of life and that pilots associated with local flight schools have allegedly used intimidation tactics when residents complained.

Cindy Hughes, John (Howie) Hughes, Lesley Strietelmeier, Debby Maurer and John Gainstord described rising noise and activity levels. According to the minutes, Ms. Maurer specifically raised concerns about "dangerous emissions," and several residents said they felt they had been targeted after filing complaints with airport management.

Mayor Mary S. Alexander-Basta said she has requested that the Federal Aviation Administration come to evaluate the situation and offer options to address noise, noting that the FAA determines flight paths. She said, when possible, pilots are being asked to avoid residential areas and "she expressed a zero tolerance for harassment or intimidation tactics" and that she would follow up with airport management.

The minutes record no formal action taken at the meeting beyond the mayor's pledge to pursue FAA evaluation and to follow up with airport management. The residents requested that the village consider requiring the two flight schools to cease operations; the minutes do not show that the Board took any directive or vote on that request.