The several-years-long battle between the FAA and residents of the City of Phoenix could over the flight path over some of the city’s most historical neighborhoods could be nearing a resolution soon. The judge overseeing the dispute has ordered both parties attempt mediation in an effort to work out the ongoing issues.

Several years ago the FAA made changes to the flight path over the city citing safety and a desire to reduce emissions, but the City of Phoenix received thousands of complaints from residents concerning the new flight paths. The issue eventually ended up in court. The city says the FAA failed to properly study how changes to the flight paths would impact residents.

Mediation could be a way to avoid a lengthy, ongoing court battle that would cost both sides a great deal of money.

Two local residents affected by the changes say they have lived in their historic home for more than 50 years. For years they enjoyed their home in the historic area of downtown Phoenix, but since the flight path changed, they are subjected to plan noise on an ongoing basis, reporting the noise distracts them and mentally brings them down. It also reduces their property value, some say by as much as 30%.

Now that mediation is an option, many of the city’s residents affected by the changes are optimistic a resolution could be on the horizon. They want the FAA to change the flight path back to how it was because for them, it was working just fine.