Some airport neighbors testified Jan. 8 that they have become prisoners in their homes after the start up of the new third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport.

A couple said they would like to move but doubt they could sell their homes.

The public comments came following a special afternoon Highline Forum meeting at the airport to discuss use of the new runway.

The forum is made up of representatives from the cities of Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way as well as the Highline School District and the Port of Seattle. The group meets monthly to discuss issues of common concern. The Port operates the airport.

Mike Jacobi said he bought a home a year ago near South 210th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive South. He admitted he had reservations about the third runway before buying but thought the insulation package installed by the Port would protect his home from the noise.

The day (the third runway) started was a real shock," Jacobi declared.

He said he has to retreat to his basement to work and can't work in his yd because of the jet noise. His children will also not be able to use the "big, beautiful playhouse" he built, he added.

Jacobi said he paid $500,000 for his home but will not be able to sell it.

"It's really heartbreaking," Jacobi concluded.

Robert Johnson has been in his home for 20 years and says he now has to use earplugs to sleep. A plane takes off nightly at 2:15 a.m., shaking his home, according to Johnson. He said he can look out his bedroom window and see planes coming at him.

"I can't sell my home for what it's worth," Johnson declared. "I don't know what to do. It's very frustrating."

Ken Turner, who lives near South 128th Street and 12th Avenue South, testified his wife cried for two weeks after the runway became operational.

He said the Port has insulated his house but not his adjoining work studio.

When construction of the new runway was announced, his property's value remained flat while home prices soared in other neighborhoods, he noted.

"I sure would like to move," Turner concluded wistfully.

Mike Hughes said tenants at his Burien rental home demanded a $300 per month rental reduction after the third runway opened. He noted they threatened to move out if they did not receive the decrease.

He added that he hopes to develop his property as an industrial site in conjunction with neighboring property owners.

"It would be difficult to rent the property as a residence," he said.

Chas Talbot from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs said the project's main environmental impact statement noted the third runway would be used to give the airport two runways for landings during poor weather.

During the forum's special meeting, airport director Mark Reis said the final impact statement indicated the runway would be used in both poor and good weather. Reiss also said the Federal Aviation Administration, not the Port, is responsible for how the runways are used.

Talbot declared, "The FAA needs to live up to its representations."

John Wimpress, who noted he worked in airplane design and operations for 38 years, said the Port should use available global positioning system technology to land planes on the first two runways in poor weather.

He said airports in England and San Francisco handle the same amount of air traffic as Sea-Tac with two runways by using the technology.

Wimpress noted he suggested the technology to Port officials when they announced plans for a new runway. They told him the technology was not ready.

"They said pouring concrete was the way to go," Wimpress declared.

Added Wimpress, "It is very clear there is lots of capacity in two runways if they only use the technology available."

Port commissioner Pat Davis, who along with commissioner John Creighton listened to the testimony, thanked the speakers and audience for being respectful.

"We appreciate hearing from you and having you keep us on track," Davis added.