Committee on Aviation meeting, March 12, 2024
- When: Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: Room 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Aviation
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928533/video/917558992
- Transcript: full text (4,370 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Aviation approved remote participation requests, heard two public commenters, and approved the October 31, 2023 Rule 45 report. It recommended passage of an ordinance authorizing a technical services agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, not to exceed three years and $500,000, to help the Department of Aviation assess sustainability options including for O'Hare 21 facilities. After accepting a substitute, it also recommended passage of an ordinance authorizing the Department of Aviation to negotiate purchase of the former Army National Guard armory at 5400 West 63rd Street, surrounded by Midway Airport property, using airport funds. Members asked about the property's planned uses, the effect of the runway protection zone on its value, community use, and jobs and hiring fairs.
Topics: Midway Airport, property acquisition, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, airport sustainability, runway protection zone, airport jobs, public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 7:27 Rule 59 remote participation requests: passed
- 7:58 Public comment period: discussed
- 14:48 Approval of the October 31, 2023 Rule 45 report: passed
- 15:16 Technical service agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (O2024-0007861): passed
- 20:15 Substitute ordinance for acquisition of state-owned property at 5400 West 63rd Street for Midway International Airport: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Asked whether there is other state-owned property in the area. (24:45)
- Marty Quinn (alderperson): Asked whether demolishing the part of the building in the runway protection zone should lower the $1.4 million appraised price. (27:09); Said in his experience property in a runway protection zone loses much of its value and the city should not pay much more than a dollar. (27:40); Asked whether the front portion of the armory along 63rd Street could have a community use. (28:09)
- Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Following up on a public commenter's questions, asked whether acquiring the property would create new jobs. (29:01); Asked when the next Department of Aviation hiring fair would be held and what positions are available at Midway. (30:00)