Letter: Trains, planes and too much noise
Bag handlers at JFK were accused of stealing more than $27,000. Credit: Uli Seit
In "$8M noise studies get green light" [News, Oct. 29], Newsday reports on airplane noise and its effect on neighborhoods.
Here is an important part of that article: Noise levels that average 65 decibels or more over 24 hours are considered too high for residential neighborhoods, and Congress has set aside money to help pay for noise mitigation that could include soundproofing homes. Len Schaier, head of Citizens for Quiet Skies over North Hempstead, said 55 decibels is an average used around the world, except in the United States.
It makes good sense to use the lower standard, because excessive noise can cause hearing damage. So, why is it OK for the Long Island Rail Road to sound its horn four times at railroad crossings at 96 to 110 decibels? This happens 24/7/365.
Thousands of neighbors live within earshot of the tracks because of the density of the population on Long Island. I hope that someone can explain why we must suffer.
Charles Naftal, Mineola
