Many Worthington residents are still not happy after an updated proposal from the university to extend the runway at Don Scott Field.
The airport, on West Case Road in north Columbus, is home to the university's Department of Aerospace Engineering and Aviation programs.
The College of Engineering proposed a renovation and expansion project that would add more hangers and a new flight education center, renovate the terminal building and extend the north runway from 3,000 to 6,000 feet.
The proposal caused thousands of complaints to OSU from area residents. Residents are upset with current noise levels and are concerned the noise will increase after expansion.
"OSU is deliberately ignoring the issue," said Mary Jo Cusack, mayor of the village of Riverlea, just south of Worthington. Cusack says that Riverlea has been dealing with noise levels from the south runway of the airport for the past 20 years. She said one resident of Riverlea has filed 1,000 noise complaints.
The airport, home to 230 aircraft, is primarily used by students, local businesses and residents. The facility is ranked fifth in Ohio in the number of takeoffs and landings.
Cusack and residents from Riverlea and the Worthington area were present Sept. 10 when Dean William Baeslack of Ohio State's College of Engineering presented the updated proposal to the Facilities Planning Committee of The Ohio State University's Board of Trustees.
During the presentation Baeslack said the expansion project will enhance the aviation program's teaching mission, providing a "real-world learning laboratory" for students, and that extending the runway "will improve safety to students and corporate users."
Baeslack's presentation showed results from a noise study conducted by a consultant using Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. The results showed that current noise levels do follow FAA guidelines.
Baeslack said the $8.5 million runway project would reduce existing noise levels. Many area residents say noise levels will not decrease and they are letting their voices be heard.
Tony Pello, president of We Oppose the Ohio State Airport Expansion spoke at the meeting. Pello said the group has gathered 1,300 signatures from area residents who oppose the airport expansion plan. He said there have been 8,000 noise complaints regarding the issue. Residents are concerned that high noise levels and residue jet fuel could lower property values in Worhtington.
Since the Sept 10 meeting, Baeslack has attended a Worthington City Council meeting in an attempt to open communication between the University and concerned residents.
"This is a tough issue, and I am sensitive to their concerns," said Baeslack.
Baeslack said he would like to meet with concerned residents again.
Despite the attempt at open communication, many residence are still unhappy.
"(Ohio State officials) are unwilling to make the problem any easier," said Cusack.
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