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Read the press release here.

Norwood Park Homes Next in Line for Soundproofing

 The federal government will pick up the tab to soundproof several dozen Norwood Park and Park Ridge homes, shown here in yellow. Homes in green have already been insulated, while those in pink are in the next phase, which has yet to be funded.
The federal government will pick up the tab to soundproof several dozen Norwood Park and Park Ridge homes, shown here in yellow. Homes in green have already been insulated, while those in pink are in the next phase, which has yet to be funded.
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Chicago Department of Aviation

NORWOOD PARK — The federal government will pick up the tab to soundproof several dozen Norwood Park homes, federal officials said Monday.

Homes between Ottawa Avenue and the city's western border with Park Ridge near Peterson Avenue are next in line for free new attic insulation, air conditioning, exterior doors, storm doors and windows designed to block the racket of planes departing and arriving at O'Hare Airport, officials said.

A $6.5 million grant from the Department of Transportation will fund the next phase of the soundproofing effort, which will be administered by the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission and the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Heather Cherone says neighbors want more permanent solutions:

U.S. Reps Mike Quigley (D-5th), and Jan Schakowsky (D-9th) applauded the announcement of the grant.

”We have been calling for increased noise mitigation and are pleased that the federal government is taking steps to provide some relief," Quigley and Schakowsky said in a joint statement. "We will continue working with the [Chicago Department of Aviation] and the [Federal Aviation Administration] to help mitigate and distribute the noise while maintaining O’Hare as an economic engine in Chicago and Illinois.”

Homes on the western edge of Norwood Park have been among those hardest hit by jet noise caused by planes using new east-west runways at O'Hare Airport.

Many residents have complained to local, state and federal officials that the noise makes it impossible to sleep, spend time in their backyards, play in neighborhood parks or watch television.

All of the homes set to be soundproofed experience an average of 65 decibels of jet noise during the day and night in the area deemed by local aviation officials as experiencing high levels of jet racket known as a noise contour.

The federal government considers an average of 65 decibels of jet noise during the day and night "annoying."

In comparison, a typical vacuum cleaner creates 70 decibels of noise, according to figures compiled by Purdue University.

A study that could result in more homes qualifying for free soundproofing is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

That study could change the level of noise the federal government considers annoying.

However, the O'Hare noise contour map won't be changed to reflect new flight paths until the approximately $8.7 billion O'Hare Modernization Program is completed in 2020, and many Far Northwest Side homeowners won't be eligible for subsidized soundproofing until 2025.

More than 18,000 homes and 120 schools around O’Hare and Midway airports have been soundproofed, according to city officials.

To find out whether your home is located within the noise contour or qualifies for free soundproofing, go to this website.

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