Odds Of Building New Airstrip Considered Slim

Officially, Meigs Field no longer exists. In spite of attempts by local grassroots organizations, the airport's single runway has long ago been demolished and removed. There are paved walkways that run among newly planted trees, prairie grass and wildflowers. Even the name has been changed -- Meigs Field is once again known as Northerly Island.

The island continues to take shape, a process that will be governed in part by the results of a series of public hearings. The first was held on Saturday at the airport's old terminal building.

"We definitely want this to be a world-class space, so we're definitely not looking to rush things," Chicago Park District spokeswoman Michele Jones told Copley News Service.

City officials say it's not likely that a proposal by airport supporters at Friends of Meigs will pass, given Mayor Richard Daley's opposition to the idea. Friends of Meigs urges anyone who can make it to show up at the public hearings and has even asked pilots to overfly the airport -- when able -- to show their support.

In the meantime, the city has until December 3rd to respond to FAA allegations that it illegally used $1.5 million in airport aid to wreck the strip and convert it into a park.

FMI: www.friendsofmeigs.org