Park Ridge O'Hare Airport Commission Meeting - September 17, 2026

The O'Hare Airport Commission of the City of Park Ridge met on September 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was chaired by a temporary chair due to the absence of the permanent chair. Commissioners approved two sets of meeting minutes, discussed the lack of recent updates from the city on O'Hare construction, noise management, and sound insulation programs, and welcomed new member Megan Roberts. Key discussion focused on property tax assessment relief related to airport noise and potential future presentations from county officials.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2026, and July 16, 2026: A motion to approve both sets of minutes as published was made, seconded, and passed by voice vote with all in favor. New member Megan Roberts abstained as she had not attended the January or July meetings.

Discussion Items

• O'Hare Construction Updates: No new information was available; the last update was from April 2026. Commissioners agreed to contact former chair Ian to seek updates before the November meeting.
• Airport Noise Management System: No new reports or data were provided. Commissioners discussed the possibility of individual members taking responsibility for tracking noise reports and improving outreach to the city.
• Residential Sound Insulation Program: No updates were available. Commissioners noted that some Park Ridge homes had received sound insulation under early phases, but the program currently lacks funding.
• News & Updates – Park Ridge: No new items from the city.

New Business

• Introduction of New Commissioner Megan Roberts: Megan Roberts introduced herself. She lives in the Southwest Woods area and experiences heavy aircraft noise. She joined the commission after finding 311 calls unanswered and wants to address noise issues. She has a background in education and now works in corporate training at Uber.
• Property Tax Assessment Relief Update: Commissioner Barbara Severa reported on her research regarding the O'Hare tax reduction. She visited the Main Township Assessor's Office and spoke with director Susan Cray Moylan. Moylan explained that former Cook County Assessor Joseph Barrios was receptive to arguments for a noise-based tax reduction for Park Ridge homeowners, but current Assessor Fritz Kage has rejected the proposal. Moylan offered to address the commission to provide more details. Commissioners expressed interest but discussed logistical concerns, including compliance with the Open Meetings Act, managing public attendance, and preparing structured questions. They decided to contact Moylan informally to gauge her availability and consider a special meeting or a later regular meeting for her presentation.
• FAA Noise Monitoring: Commissioners discussed installing FAA noise monitoring equipment ("noise boxes") in backyards to collect decibel data. This data could support individual assessment appeals and advocacy for updated noise contours. They agreed to share contact information via email to coordinate efforts outside of formal meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes of January 15, 2026, and July 16, 2026 (unanimous, with Roberts abstaining).
• Directed temporary chair and Nancy (staff) to contact former chair Ian to establish a transition plan and seek updates on noise, construction, and insulation reports before the November 19, 2026 meeting.
• Agreed to schedule a special meeting if needed to prepare for a presentation by Main Township Assessor's Office director Susan Cray Moylan on tax assessment relief, with the goal of holding her presentation at a future regular meeting.
• Commissioners will individually contact the FAA to request noise monitoring equipment and share findings.
• Next regular meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2026 (third Thursday, not Thanksgiving week).