Flight-Path Schools To Be Soundproofed

Thousands of Queens schoolchildren will have quieter classrooms as the result of a record one-third expansion of the Port Authoritys program to reduce noise levels in four local schools located in airport flight paths. Well over 300,000 youngsters attend Queens schools that lie in the paths of nearly 2,000 planes that fly to and from the JFK and LaGuardia airports every day. These trips average at least one plane per minute, more than 700,000 planes a year.
Of the five new schools approved for New York City, four are located in Queens: I.S. 180 (Rockaway Park), I.S. 198 and Beach Channel High School (Arverne), and John Bowne High School (Flushing), making a total of 15 Queens schools selected to be upgraded.
Soundproofing operations are currently under way, or scheduled to begin, at an additional 11 Queens schools.
Since 1983, the Authority has supervised a unique construction program calling for the installation of soundproofed windows, ceilings and doors, as well as special mechanical ventilation systems, according to P.A. spokesman Bill Cahill.
The Federal Aviation Authority contributes 80 percent of the cost, while the P.A. pays the balance and administers the program.
In addition to noise reduction, the program also includes such ancillary benefits as lower energy costs and improved appearance, through the installation of new ventilation units and special acoustical windows.
The equipment normally results in at least a 50 percent reduction of classroom noise levels attributable to aircraft, officials said.
Work has already started, or is slated for upgrading, at: P.S. 195, St. Clares School, and St. Pius X School (Rosedale); P.S. 12 (Arverne), P.S. 140 (Howard Beach), St. Anns School and St. Michaels School (Flushing); St. Sebastian School (Woodside); Tapeionu School for Girls and Yeshivah Darchei Torah (Far Rockaway); and Monsignor McClancy High School (East Elmhurst).
Borough President Claire Shulman said "Anything that will reduce the noise caused by two of the worlds busiest airports, is appreciated."
Application for the Port Authoritys soundproofing program are limited to schools located in the LaGuardia and Kennedy Airport flight paths. Inquiries should be sent to: Aviation Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 1 World Trade Center, New York, N.Y. 10048.