Hahn Lauds Soundproofing Effort

Standing in the home of a happy and well-rested North Hills resident, Mayor James K. Hahn announced Thursday the completion of the first phase of the Van Nuys Airport residential soundproofing program.

The program, which began in August, provides insulation, dual-paned windows and heavy wood doors to homes beneath the jet flight path of the airport, which is the busiest general aviation facility in the nation.

Up to 1,050 homes and apartments qualify for the soundproofing improvements.

“I’m very pleased with this effort to help release the burden homeowners shoulder when they reside in such close proximity to an aviation facility,” Hahn said. “We must continue to work hard to mitigate negative impact on our families.”

Nine homes and 24 apartments have been soundproofed, including the North Hills home of Joyce Hartman.

“This has immensely cut down the noise, I’d say, by half in our house,” said Hartman, who has lived under the flight path for 38 years. “It’s wonderful. I’m sleeping much better now.”

In addition to cutting down on the noise, Hartman said, the improvements have also cut her heating bill in half.

Not everyone who qualifies for the soundproofing is aware of the plan, said Hilda Delgado of the mayor’s office. Those qualifying must live along flight paths near the airport and have at least a 65-decibel sound level in their homes.

“People are not registering for this program,” Delgado said as a jet roared overhead. “The money is there, and there is no cost to the residents.”

For more information, residents can call the Van Nuys residential soundproofing office at (818) 909-3573.