South City offers airplane noise abatement

The free program established in 2011 has benefited nearly 6,000 homes across the city, but the participation requirements are changing and fewer properties are included in the most recent map determining eligibility.

Councilman Rich Garbarino lamented the shrinking boundary map, noting the uptick in airplane traffic which has grown over the years as travelers flock to the Bay Area gateway amidst an economic boom.

“That zone has really shrunk down, and I’m not sure why they would do that, because the planes are louder than ever,” said Garbarino, according to video of the City Council meeting Wednesday, Aug. 23.

The Federal Aviation Administration determines the program boundaries and specifies only properties exposed to a daily average of 65 decibels or more noise from planes may apply to participate.

Vice Mayor Karyl Matsumoto noted the federal agency justified its decision to reduce the eligibility boundaries with claims that though there are more, large planes than years before, aeronautical noise dampening technology allows for quieter flights.

“The planes, while they are bigger, the thing was, the footprint shrunk because they are more silent than back in the day,” she said.

Councilman Mark Addiego said he believes the federal regulations are not intended to address the concerns of South San Francisco residents.

“This 65 decibel measurement, it really works for the airline industry and the airport, but not so much the people who live underneath the airpath,” he said.

Addiego added if more residents express interest in the program, perhaps additional pressure could be applied on the federal agency to again expand the eligibility boundaries.

A city report said while the federal government will have a final say in allowing participation, South San Francisco officials will advocate for those seeking assistance.

“Even if your house doesn’t fall in the exposure map, reach out to the city for more information,” said Eliza Manchester, a special projects manager for the city.

Residents accepted into the program can receive home improvements such as window and door replacements, caulking, weather stripping and installation of a central fresh air ventilation system. In all, up to $14,000 worth of fixes and installations could be completed.

For those who previously participated but may require fixes to the improvements they already received, repair and replacement work is available as well. All residential properties are eligible, including single-family homes, condominiums and apartments.

About 20 percent of the initiative is financed by the city, and the rest of the $736,000 fund is contributed by the federal government. Gupta suggested there could be between 2,000 and 3,000 eligible homes in South San Francisco which are eligible but not yet participating.

Garbarino, who lives in the flight path, said the improvements he received on his home significantly improved his quality of life.

“It does make a difference when you are on the phone and you can have a decent conversation with the other party,” he said.

With firsthand experience, he implored other South San Francisco residents to look into the program as well.

“Please consider it. Seriously. It’s well worth it. And it’s free,” he said.

Those interested in finding out more about the airport noise insulation program are encouraged to visit ssf.net/airportnoise, email anip@ssf.net or call 829-6649.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105