The project targets 312 homes for noise mitigation and 52 homes for purchase and demolition.
WESTFIELD – Work started this week to upgrade 13 homes near Barnes Regional Airport against noise pollution as part of a nine-year $22 million project.
And, bids are now being sought for a third round of upgrades scheduled to start in the fall.
Jane W. Verbeck, of Wyle Laboratories which oversees the noise mitigation project, said 13 homes are currently targeted for new windows and other upgrades. Bids for another 19 homes are due May 1 at the city’s Purchasing Department at City Hall.
Noise mitigation affecting 312 properties around the airport started last year. The project is funded 90 percent through the Federal Aviation Administration with the state and city sharing in the remaining 10 percent of the cost. The average cost to upgrade homes with new windows, doors, fresh air systems and central air conditions is about $65,000, officials have said.
Airport Manager Brian P. Barnes said the goal is to continue the project annually with plans to complete upgrades for about 19 homes each year, depending upon funding. “As long as we continue to get funding the project will continue until completed,” Barnes said.
The project is in response to the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing’s F-15 Eagle fighter jets flown as part of the unit’s Homeland defense mission.
The project also aims to purchase up to 52 homes that are located within a 70-decibel or higher noise level range abutting the airport. Wyle Laboratories completed the purchase and demolition of three homes late last year. Another three are scheduled for purchase and demolition this year, Verbeck said.
She said a total of 16 homes, within a 65-decibel range, were upgraded for noise mitigation during the past year.
While bids for upgrades are due May 1, repairs will not begin until September, said Wyle.
“We need as much as 90 to 120 days to order product for the project because the windows and some other items are custom made,” she said.