CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A proposal would bring a fourth runway to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and with it will come more flights. That has neighbors concerned who say it will only cause more traffic and noise problems.
The busy airport already has, what the Federal Aviation Administration calls, excessive delay, according to Jack Christine, the chief operating officer of the country's sixth busiest airport.
"We've seen additional flights year over year, we've seen additional passengers year over year," he said.
It's why he and others say there is a need for a $2.5 billion investment to make several upgrades to the airport.
It would include a fourth, 10,000 foot runway that would run parallel to other runways at the airport.
The proposal would also include new taxiways, 10 to 12 additional gates to concourse B, 10 to 12 additional gates to concourse C, and construction of a parking deck at the north entrance of the airport.
The project would also relocate West Boulevard, and decommission one runway.
"So that we can not only handle additional flights in the future, but handle the flights that we have now," Christine said as he explained the need for the potential additions.
It ultimately means more flights in and out of the airport, thus over homes in nearby neighborhoods.
"When I sleep at night, I hear the planes. When I wake up, I hear the planes. I can't open the windows like I want to without hearing the planes," said Aldrene McGill, who lives near the airport.
Tony Scott said airplanes fly over his home every few minutes.
"If you're outside in your yard, you're going to hear planes all day long," he said. "The last 12 years that I've lived here, it's just gotten that much worse."
They both know noise comes with living next to an airport, but they just don't want any additional noise from more airplanes.
It's why on Thursday, airport officials hosted a meeting to hear those concerns and answer any questions the public had about the environmental impact.
When it comes to the additional noise, officials didn't know the impact but said they would as research and additional work is completed.
"As far as impacts, we're not there yet. That's what this process is all about," Christine added.
Neighbors just want to be heard.
"Take the people into consideration," added Scott.
The proposal would need the all clear from the Federal Aviation Administration before the project begins.