Paying for Airport Noise

Let me add my voice to that of Ellen Bagelman (Letters to the Editor, Times Valley Edition, Dec. 7). It is hugely unfair and unjust to ask one segment of the community to bear the entire burden of airport noise without offering anything in return. I would go further and say that this compensation should come from the aircraft owners, the airport and the government--federal, state and local.

The compensation could be, for example, funds for soundproofing homes and for loss of the peaceful enjoyment of one’s property, and could also be in the form of lowered property taxes and/or income taxes, utility rates, etc. There are many possibilities.

The federal government was quick to come up with millions of dollars to create an electric car industry in Burbank. The enterprise was joined by contributions from state and local authorities. Why could not such a fund be created for people who are affected by aircraft (and freeway) noise?

JANICE K. MASLOW

North Hollywood