Mayor Rahm Emanuel will not move forward with privatization plans for Midway Airport, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The decision came after one of the only two bidders pulled out of the competition for the deal this week. Formal bids were due in a few weeks, and a City Hall source "familiar with the negotiations" told the newspaper that the mayor simply couldn't take one bidder for the deal.

Ald. Michael Zalewski (23rd), whose ward includes Midway, told the newspaper that he was glad to see the project grounded. Zalewski had a number of concerns about the privatization plan, including what it could mean for noise pollution for homeowners near the airport, especially for those who would not be able to receive city-funded soundproofing for their homes.

“He gave it an honest look and decided, in the best interest of the city, that it just wasn’t the right thing to do. I give him credit for exploring the option. But, it just wasn’t meant to be,” Zalewski told the Chicago Sun-Times.

“We’re still dealing with some of our previous privatization efforts. This would have been the grand prize. It would have been a tough call. I give him credit for pulling the rug out from under the deal. The mayor can pass anything he wants in the City Council. This would have been a tougher sell. But, with Midway in my ward, it’s probably good for me that he decided not to do it.”