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CNN Live Saturday

Oakland International Airport Neighbors Face Increased Noise

Aired August 04, 2001 - 12:22   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: In Texas, folks who went to Dallas' new entertainment complex may have attracted more attention than show. Seems that the bathroom windows on the outer walls are a little too transparent. KDF television reports that the glass is not frosted enough. So that means that folks outside the $420 million complex could see in. Work crews are said to be fixing the problem.

Residents living near California's Oakland airport are having some problems of a different sort, but officials are hoping to smooth things over with a few perks.

Melissa McBride (ph) of CNN affiliate KRON explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MELISSA MCBRIDE, KRON REPORTER (voice-over): The sound of daily arrivals at Oakland International Airport will soon get louder depending on where you live. Starting next Friday, the airport's 24- year-old main runway will be closed for repaving. So planes will be rerouted. They'll take off from a taxi area near the bay and land at the north field. In order to get there, they'll have to fly over San Leandro about 95 times a day.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We've had numerous meetings with the citizens of San Leandro, particularly in the neighborhood that will have the greatest impact. And we want to do what we can to be good neighbors.

MCBRIDE: So the airport is giving San Leandro residents thousands of free tickets to Bay area attractions.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was really excited. I'd never heard of program like this before.

MCBRIDE: About 9,000 people received letters telling them cash in on free tickets to the zoo, museums, and the most popular attraction, Oakland A's baseball.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, our favorite. And hour home team. We're looking forward to going.

MCBRIDE: Marty Valdez and her daughter opted for as tickets worth $80 in exchange for next week's noise. MARTY VALDEZ: At least we're expected it. We need to know in advance. And we really do appreciate these gestures. This is going to be really nice.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: I want to go ice skating.

MCBRIDE: Hundreds of families have already cashed in on the free tickets. And they agree it's a nice gesture.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But I'll tell you how nice it is when the noise starts.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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