Arlington City Council chambers were packed last night as residents on both sides of the natural gas drilling controversy hoping their voices would be heard.  Some oppose the recent surge in drilling operations in Arlington, saying they are concerned about safety, noise, and what they consider the visual blight of the drilling operations.

Others, though, believe that the city and its residents only stand to gain financially from the drilling boom.

In the end, the city council voted seven-to-two to okay eleven new natural gas drilling permits.