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.