WESTFIELD—In spite of a possible change to the map that is part of the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) around Barnes Regional Airport, current homes up for acquisition are not expected to be affected, according to Jane Verbeck of Wyle Acoustical Engineering.
Verbeck said that in spite of a possible change in the noise exposure map (NEM) proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over the summer, homes being acquired through the NCP with three grants currently being used for the program will not be affected. According to Verbeck, any change to the NEM would have an impact on grants moving forward, which must be applied for by May 2018.
The control tower and a plane hangar at Barnes. (Photo credit: Dan Desrochers)
“If we want to apply for a new grant by May 1, 2018, we have to be in the process of creating a new map,” Verbeck said. “These three grants are good to go.”
The NCP was designed by Wyle, in conjunction with FAA regulations and input from the city. The NCP called for the acquisition and demolition of certain homes found within contours of impact based on the NEM, while others can receive sound insulation. A third option, which Verbeck called a “last resort,” is what is known as “avigation easement,” and is used when those who do not want to move but also do not want sound insulation.
The NEM currently used was designed through a military modeling program called Noise Map, Verbeck said previously. Verbeck also said previously that the FAA had requested the use of two computer modeling programs, a civilian and a military program, to potentially model the NEM going forward. Verbeck had notified the Westfield Airport Commission of this in early August, and it was uncertain the impact the new model could have.
However, Verbeck said recently that the homes currently being acquired would not be impacted, and that the new NEM would most likely have impacts on homes that would require sound insulation, not acquisition.
“I don’t think more homes would be up for acquisition even if the map changes,” she said. “Changes could be eligible for sound insulation.”
The change, according to Verbeck, is being requested by the FAA for the New England region, which includes Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee.
