As MacArthur Airport Expands, Property Surveys Become Essential for Islip Homeowners Navigating Noise Zone Changes and Compensation Opportunities
Long Island MacArthur Airport is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation. In February 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the Town of Islip’s plan to erect a new terminal on the north side of the airport, to be built as part of the Midway Crossing project. The $3.3 billion project will consist of a new terminal and parking facilities; the new terminal will be directly connected to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station via a pedestrian walkway. With the airport serving more than 1.36 million airline passengers in 2024 and JetBlue announcing plans to expand its operations at the airport and add additional destinations in 2025, this expansion will significantly impact surrounding communities.
Understanding Airport Noise Zone Regulations
As airports expand, federal regulations require comprehensive noise exposure mapping to protect surrounding communities. In most cases, to be eligible for a sound insulation program, a homeowner must live inside the 65 DNL (day-night average sound level) contour surrounding the airport. The Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) represents the total accumulation of all sound energy, but spread out uniformly over a 24-hour period. DNL has been widely accepted as the best available method to describe aircraft noise exposure and is the noise descriptor required by the FAA for use in aircraft noise exposure analyses and noise compatibility planning.
Property surveys play a crucial role in determining which homes fall within these noise zones. FAA-mandated noise compatibility programs cap operations under a fixed noise budget established in 1985, limiting the 65 dB DNL contour to 3.28 square miles around MacArthur Airport. As the airport expands, these contours may shift, potentially affecting property values and eligibility for compensation programs.
How Property Surveys Support Homeowners
Accurate property surveys are essential for homeowners in several ways during airport expansion. First, they establish precise property boundaries and locations relative to noise contours. Property surveys provide standards, processes and procedures, and guidelines for all phases of developing and implementing sound insulation programs, including property surveys, acoustic engineering principles and testing methods, establishing boundaries, and determining noise level reductions.
Professional surveyors help homeowners understand their exact position within noise exposure zones, which directly impacts eligibility for federal sound insulation programs. Before renovations can begin, tests and surveys must be done. These tests ensure that the right types of sound insulation modifications are made. When working with a qualified property surveyor Islip residents can trust, homeowners gain the precise documentation needed to navigate compensation programs effectively.
Compensation and Sound Insulation Programs
Federal programs provide substantial assistance to homeowners affected by airport noise. Sound insulation programs are mainly funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An airport that wants to start a sound insulation program can request assistance from the FAA. These programs can provide significant value to eligible homeowners, with some offering a total not to exceed $19,532.54 of noise mitigation products and services including reasonable and customary installation costs.
The sound insulation process is comprehensive and voluntary. Almost all sound insulation programs are voluntary. When a house is selected, the owner decides whether or not to participate. Modifications typically include replacing windows with sound-insulated versions, upgrading doors, and installing central air conditioning systems. The goal of a sound insulation program is to reduce interior residential noise levels to at least 50 dBA. A successful sound insulation program will reduce the noise in a home by 30 to 35 dBA.
Island-Wide Land Surveyors: Your Local Expertise
With over five decades of service in Nassau & Suffolk County, NY, Island-Wide Land Surveyors brings exceptional expertise in land surveying. Their commitment to professionalism, reliability, and rapid response sets them apart. The company takes pride in their thorough grasp of Long Island’s terrain, with rates that consistently undercut those of competitors, along with quicker turnaround times.
Island-Wide Land Surveyors offers expert land surveyor services for both residential and commercial property owners in Suffolk & Nassau County, NY. Boundary Surveys establish property lines, confirm accurate property corners as described in a deed, reveal easements, encroachments, and adherence to state or local regulations. This expertise is particularly valuable for homeowners near MacArthur Airport who need precise documentation for noise zone determinations.
The Importance of Professional Surveying
As MacArthur Airport’s expansion continues, property owners should consider professional surveying services early in the process. Island-Wide Land Surveyors is known for providing accurate and reliable house surveying services throughout Nassau County. They use the latest technology, including high-precision GPS equipment and advanced surveying software, to give clients the most detailed information about their property.
Professional surveys help homeowners understand not only their property boundaries but also their position relative to changing noise contours. This information becomes crucial when airports undergo expansion, as new non-compatible land uses created by subsequent airport expansion or development may also be considered impacted by aviation noise.
Looking Ahead: MacArthur Airport’s Future
The airport’s expansion timeline is ambitious. In May 2025, it was announced that the Town of Islip aims to select a final developer by January 2026. Construction is anticipated to commence during the first quarter of 2027. Additionally, Amtrak will establish a new Northeast Regional route on Long Island, terminating at the Ronkonkoma LIRR station, thus providing MacArthur Airport with inter-city rail service. Work is expected to begin in 2026, and Amtrak service is anticipated to commence two years later, in 2028.
For Islip area homeowners, staying informed about these developments and understanding their property’s position relative to changing noise zones is essential. Professional property surveys provide the foundation for making informed decisions about noise mitigation programs, property improvements, and potential compensation opportunities. As MacArthur Airport continues its transformation into a major regional transportation hub, homeowners who proactively address these considerations will be best positioned to protect their investments and quality of life.