Guerrero-Cuellar to Convene Hearings Over Soundproof Windows Near Midway & O’Hare Airports
Chicago - Members of the Illinois House Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Roadways, Rail and Aviation will convene two subject matter hearings to hear from local community members and city and state transportation officials about problems and lengthy delays related to the installation of soundproof windows in homes near Midway and O’Hare International Airports.
At the hearings, lawmakers will hear from local community residents impacted by problems with their soundproof windows as well as city and state transportation officials. Lawmakers are working to draft legislation to help address the delays, led by state Reps. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar and Marty Moylan. The legislative hearings are set for:
Midway: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Balzekas Museum, 2nd floor ballroom, 6500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago; and
O’Hare: 5 p.m. Monday at Des Plaines City Hall, 1420 Miner St., Des Plaines.
“Problems with soundproof windows and delays in repairing and replacing them have persisted in our community, and many residents have waited far too long for help or not received any help at all,” said Guerrero-Cuellar. “Rep. Moylan and I are committed to finding solutions for every resident who thought their soundproof windows would keep their families safe and comfortable but have caused all kinds of problems instead.”
“Our community members have waited long enough to address the serious issues with soundproofing windows,” said Moylan. “I look forward to working alongside Rep. Guerrero-Cuellar to find solutions and improve the quality of life for families living near Midway and O’Hare International Airports.”
Since 1996, the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) has installed soundproof windows for over 20,000 homes around the vicinities of both Midway and O’Hare, but many windows were found to be faulty with both mechanical and chemical issues, including windows emitting foul-smelling gas.
Though previous legislation has been passed in an attempt to remedy these problems, many issues remain to be addressed in the new legislation, including:
Compensating homeowners who have personally paid for and replaced the soundproof windows.
Increasing the number of homes that can have their windows repaired or replaced from 225 per year (a number CDA has provided) to a minimum of 750 per year.
Allowing homeowners with windows that have mechanical issues to qualify to receive repairs.
Preventing homeowners who opted for screens on their windows after the removal of faulty windows from being disqualified from future compensation as they are currently disqualified per CDA’s policy.
Increasing funding for RSIP to repair or replace the windows with reported mechanical and odorous issues.
All attendees at the upcoming hearings must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test on arrival and wear a face covering during the event.
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