In 1988, levels of acceptable noise limits were agreed upon for the planned Denver International Airport. These acceptable noise levels were exceeded with continued operation after the airport opened on February 28, 1995.
A lawsuit brought against the City and County of Denver resulted in a settlement for the first seven years of the airport’s operation. The lawsuit settlement involved several municipalities and was to be used to assist residents in affected areas with noise reduction improvements to their homes. Northglenn was awarded $3.4 million.
DIA provided the various municipalities with information as to where the violations had occurred and the number of violations in each area. Northglenn developed a three-year plan and was approved for disbursements of the funds. Very similar to the other cities, our plan ranked priority for the affected areas based on the number of violations in each. This means that we would first begin our program in the areas of highest number of violations.
Northglenn has identified three areas within the City that can potentially be included in our program:
AREA 1 is the highest priority area and has been divided into two separate areas (1A &1B): AREA 1A is shaped in a rectangle. The southern border is 104th Avenue and the northern border is an imaginary straight line across 108th Avenue. The western border is Interstate 25 and the eastern border is another straight line from 104th Avenue up the west side of Corona Street to 108th Avenue. This is Area 1A.
Area 1B’s western boundary borders area 1A and continues on the east side of Corona Street. It then moves east to Irma Drive and maintains the southern boarder of 104th Avenue and the northern border of 108th Avenue just like Area 1A.
AREA 2 is a square shaped area with the southern boundary an imaginary straight line across 108th Avenue and the north boundary is another line across 116th Avenue. The western boundary is I-25 and the eastern boundary is just past Murray Drive and north to 116th Avenue.
AREA 3 is located west of I-25 and includes the city limit area south of 104th.
These three areas are the only sections of Northglenn in the program at this time, and the boundaries are very specific. As with other cities, there are no guarantees that all three of the Northglenn areas will benefit from the funds. The program will continue until the funds are exhausted. At this time, it is unknown if there will be future settlements to our city.
Eligibility criteria for the noise mitigation program are:
Homes must have been purchased PRIOR to the opening of DIA on February 28,1995, and must be owner occupied.
Noise reduction improvements in this program include replacement windows/exterior doors, attic or wall insulation and air conditioning. Work of this type completed after Feb. 28, 1995, can be submitted for reimbursement up to your award amount with proper receipts.
As we initiate the program in each area, we will send letters to the homeowners ONLY in the defined area. We will contact you when your area is eligible to make application. We have finished taking applications for Area 1A and residents who have received award letters are proceeding with work to their homes.
We plan to send letters out to Area 1B, late spring or summer of 2005. If funds are available after completing Area 1B, letters will go out to Area 2 in early 2006.
Please be careful of solicitors giving out inaccurate information about the Northglenn DIA Airport Mitigation Program. Remember that this is a three-year program and until you have received an award letter, you are not guaranteed any funds. To date, ONLY applicants in AREA 1A have received award letters.
Remember, that you do not need to contact us to sign up for the program. For information or assistance, call Elaine at 303-252-3695. As the program progresses, we’ll continue to offer updates. |
