Mitigating airplane noise

Residents living near John F. Kennedy airport could be eligible for federal grant money to soundproof their homes from aircraft noise if the Federal Aviation Administration decides to lower the threshold for measuring noise from 65 decibels to 55.
Details such as how much money would be allotted for each home, when the money would be distributed, and the general process for applying for the grant are all details yet to be worked out, officials said. The Port Authority would apply for the funding and in turn, dole it out to homeowners.
The FAA would also need to approve the mapping data collected from the state’s Part 150 noise study and its compatibility program developed for noise mitigation before any federal money would be distributed.
Lawrence resident Rochelle Kevelson of Lawrence said that the aircraft noise is disruptive to her daily living, especially because the planes’ path patterns shift all the time.
“I know that I would be sitting in my kitchen and the shadow of the planes would darken my kitchen and then I’d hear the roar,” she said. “The major problem is at one and five in the morning. The planes are very disturbing. “
In addition to people living near the airport, lawmakers such as Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) are now asking the FAA to consider lowering the level. “We believe the 65 DNL, which has been in place since the late 1970s, is no longer a reliable measure of the true impact of aircraft noise,” Israel said in a letter to the FAA. “Since the 65 DNL was instituted by the FAA in its Aviation Noise Abatement Policy of 1976, airplane traffic has increased dramatically and will continue to do so over the next two decades.”
Patty Vacchio, a 30-year Inwood resident, said she would be interested in participating. “I think it is a good thing,” she said. “It is important this be reviewed and updated. I would probably apply for the federal money, but I would need more information.”