The city of Chicago intends to soundproof more homes this year than any in the 20-year history of the city's soundproofing program, insulating homes from the noise generated by the city's south side airport.
Some on Chicago's South Side may be getting quieter homes soon. The city has been soundproofing homes around Midway Airport for years and hopes that some of the residents that previously rejected offers to have their homes insulated for sound would come around to the idea. "Hundreds of homeowners around Midway have refused the offer for free soundproofing, for reasons that range from not wanting government workers to come into their homes to concerns about the quality of the work, according to residents interviewed," Mary Wisniewski reports for the Chicago Tribune.
Residences in the area are often tightly packed near the urban airport. "Homes eligible for soundproofing under FAA rules have to be within a 'noise contour,' where the average daytime and nighttime noise has been measured at 65 decibels, which is between restaurant conversation and a vacuum cleaner," Wisniewski writes.
FULL STORY: City wants more Midway-area homeowners to sign up for soundproofing
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont