They came from

the hamlets and villages scattered on the south side of Atlanta to let

officials know that a fifth runway for Hartsfield's International Airport

would affect their lives.

While no official

estimate was provided, between 500 and 700 residents crowded into the

Georgia International Convention Center in College Park Tuesday afternoon

to gather information and voice their opinions on the draft environmental

impact study for the runway compiled by the FAA.

Officials have

already received approval to build a 6,000-foot commuter runway, but Atlanta

and airport officials want a 9,000-foot runway that they say would cut

down on the region's emissions problems.

The new runway

would be shifted 1,900 feet east of Interstate 285 and Riverdale Road

and require traffic infrastructure improvements, such as running Riverdale

Road under the proposed runway.

As the public

hearing began, residents learned that all public comments would be considered

until Feb. 26 with a final decision rendered this summer.

One of the

first speakers to make his voice known was Terry Lawler, who represented

Georgians for Better Transportation. Lawler was one of the few who spoke

in favor of the runway and agreed with airport officials that emissions

would be lowered because planes would spend less time idling.

One of the

other speakers who agreed with the runway proposal was Peachtree City's

Luke Ott, who represented the Airline Pilots Association.

"The delays

are real. There are 1,000 issues to contemplate, but it would be best

to extend the runway," he said.

But the residents

who opposed the idea far outnumbered those in favor of the project. One

of the most telling displays came from Henry St. John, who lives near

one of the current runways.

St. John played

a tape of him attempting to watch television. As the hushed crowd strained

to hear the tape, the only audible sound was of a jet taking off over

his house.

College Park's

Valencia Seay has already been bought out by officials seeking land for

the project, but urged all officials to be truthful.

"We were

told this was only going to be for a commuter runway," she said.

Speaker after

speaker told stories of how their lives were affected by the current airport

operations.

Elizabeth Lang,

who lives on Old National Highway, said her legacy is being threatened.

"This

is our home. It's not just something that can be bulldozed and buried,"

she said.

FAA officials

said they will have the final environmental impact study prepared this

summer, and reach a decision shortly after it's finished.