Local lawmakers' community meeting regarding airplane noise Aug. 19 attracted more than four times the anticipated turnout, forcing them to turn away nearly 100 people with the promise of a second meeting to accommodate everyone.
The Des Moines City Council Chambers was filled beyond capacity as Highline residents struggled to find space: some sitting on the ground and even more crowding the room's doorway.
"We apologize," said Des Moines City Councilwoman Susan White, addressing the crowded room. "We had no idea there would be this attendance."
Sen. Karen Keiser, Rep. Dave Upthegrove, Rep. Tina Orwall, Sea-Tac Airport's Noise Programs Manager Stan Shepherd and the Federal Aviation Administration's Deputy Regional Administrator David Suomi joined White.
In his 20-minute presentation, Shepherd explained that airplane noise mitigation programs are made conducted by the FAA based on data collected by Sea-Tac Airport and reported to the federal administration in a Part 150 study. The study typically takes three to five years to complete and is required by the FAA before any federal funding may be allotted.
Countless e-mails and frustrated phone calls spurred the idea for the community meeting, Upthegrove said. Despite his inability to directly address Highline residents' concerns over airplane noise, Upthegrove said hosting such a community forum would serve as an opportunity to better educate his constituents.
"[The present legislators] have no real authority over where airplanes fly and when they use our runways," Upthegrove said. "But, the one thing we can do is help facilitate communication and give people an opportunity to learn about the issue."
While the meeting was initially intended to educate the public, the public proved they intended to educate their elected officials.
Des Moines resident Richard Curtis, who said he had spent 35 years flying airliners, was one of roughly 15 people given a chance to speak before the meeting disbanded at approximately 8:30 p.m.
"These people that make decisions on where airplanes fly don't even have a pilot's license," Curtis said. "Everybody's pointing fingers at someone else, and nobody wants to stand up and take the heat."
Many recalled instinctively ducking for cover as planes roared above their homes throughout the day and into the night. Some drew attention to "a fine, blackish soot" that supposedly covers everything, while others mentioned intermittent television reception due to their proximity to the airport.
While legislators present at the meeting were unable to offer direct solutions to anyone's concerns, an effort was made to collect contact information and follow up on those concerns at a later date.
Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker said he attended the meeting not to complain or ask questions, but to hear the answers.
"Sometimes meetings like this can just add to the frustrations," Baker said. "But, I also believe if you talk loud enough and long enough, someone will listen."
Upthegrove assured those turned away from Wednesday's meeting that a second meeting will be held within the next month.
He also promised a larger room, more time and working microphones. The time, date and location have yet to be announced.