NJ School One Mile From KTEB To Get Soundproofing

Students at Becton High School in East Rutherford, New Jersey will soon have a much-improved learning environment. The school, which sits ten miles from Newark Liberty and just one mile from Teeterboro Airport, has noise levels from passing aircraft measured at 80-90 dB, like standing next to a lawnmower. Democrat Congressman Steve Rothman (pictured) persuaded the FAA back in June to allocate $18.2 million for soundproofing measures at the school. On Monday, he paid a visit to Becton High to deliver a ceremonial check.

The federal funds will pay for sound insulation and special doors and windows to block noise. The state is kicking in $12 million for a state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning system, so those windows can stay closed in hot weather. Officials say the aircraft noise level will be brought down to that of normal conversation.

According to a report in northjersey.com, Rothman commented at Monday's press conference, “The noise level inside the building got louder and louder as more and more planes started to land at Newark and Teterboro. Kids couldn’t hear their teachers...teachers couldn’t communicate with their kids with the sounds of planes roaring overhead.”

Construction will employ an estimated 150 people, but it will take two to three years, meaning many of Becton's current student population will graduate before the upgrades are completed, and have some classes displaced to portable classrooms in the meantime. Not all are impressed with the plan. Amina Hoti, a 16-year-old junior, tells northjersey.com the planes didn't bother her as much as she expects the disruptions will. “I’m not looking forward to having class in a trailer.”

FMI: http://rothman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1440&Itemid=1