The real problem is a perceived lack of democratic participation / a government that cares about its people. The interviewed people actually said so: "It makes you feel like you can make a difference", compared to manually filling out complex forms.
This actually is valid also for other countries: in Munich, there is a constant battle for the expansion of the airport with a new runway. For now, the project is set on hold, but who knows how the situation will look like in 5 years w/ the then-new government in Bavaria. This was also decided above the heads of the affected population (who would have lost their homes or be affected by massive increases in noise) without including them, and politicians didn't do flying f..k and tell the affected people that the state cares for them, their well-being or whatever. For new rail tracks or those where usage exploded over decades, people had to sue the rail company for installation of noise-protection.
Personal bet: Complaints about "NIMBY", endless and expensive judicial battles (as are hinted in the article), noise, playing kids, anything would go down to decent manageable levels if governments would care to meaningfully involve affected residents and give them the feeling that their voice matters for the government. The other way is to continue as usual and watch them fall to various radicals and their "the state doesn't care about you, only about " message.