Local Residents Passed Over By Earlier Study Complain Of Increased Noise Since 2006

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport was awarded a $880,000 grant by the Federal Aviation Administration to study noise problems caused by air traffic approaching and departing the airport.

The study aims to determine what homes in Cleveland and suburbs qualify for federal funds for soundproofing. The last such study in the area occurred in 1999.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the review is estimated to take 18 months according to members of the Cleveland City Council. Sound monitors will be placed throughout surrounding communities close to the busy commercial airport.

Airport officials will use data collected from the study to garner additional federal money for soundproofing in areas where noise levels exceed standards established by the federal government.

Airport spokeswoman Jackie Mayo said it will be at least two years before nearby residents can expect to get help.

Cleveland Councilman Martin Keane, representing the West Park neighborhood said residents ramped up their complaints about aircraft noise in 2006, when the FAA changed traffic patterns for some high-altitude traffic between New York and Chicago.

The FAA said the changes should not have raised ground noise levels significantly, since changes occurred at altitudes of 12,000 feet or higher.

But people who live below disagreed.

When he became chairman of the Cleveland City Council ‘s Aviation and Transportation Committee in January 2006, Cleveland Councilman Kevin Kelley said he was immediately inundated with airport-noise complaints. He added the complaints were the most he received on any issue.

Councilman Keane added as a result of the 1999 study, more than 2,720 homes in his ward fell short nine years ago to qualify for soundproofing.

The FAA spent nearly $45.6 million more to soundproof 2,014 homes and additionally acquired 449 homes for $2.8 million near the airport as a result of the earlier study.

FMI: www.clevelandairport.com, www.faa.gov