!!!!!MOST IMPORTANT SIGN PETITION BELOW!!!! Update 7.9.09 – The board of directors recently distributed a letter regarding the upcoming window replacement. It was unclear whether this letter addressed this petition however, the letter clearly implies that THE PROPOSED WINDOWS WILL HAVE NO NOISE INSULATING PROPERTIES. If we are to get this done we ask that you kindly log a call to management, write a letter to the board, put up some flyers near the mailboxes. Email us your progress. Update 6.27.09 – We need to keep getting the word out people are visiting the site but not filling out the survey below. Talk to your neighbors, re-copy the flyer and post it in the hallway, by the mail boxes etc. Update: 6.27.09 – We have been receiving much additional support for the soundproof windows via our phone messaging system. Update 6.26.09 – The bidder for the total job was apparently chosen at a cost of $48,000,000. This is roughly 28,000 per apartment. If we are spending that much why not spend an extra $1,000-$1,500 per apartment and have a much more habitable apartment. This petition seeks to promote rational action by a co-op’s decision makers on the issue of installing soundproof windows along portions of the building exposed to excessive train noise. The co-op’s shareholders must at least be given the option to pay the difference between soundproof and non-soundproof windows. Scroll down to sign petition Frequently Asked Questions: 1. How is noise level measured A: Noise levels are most commonly measured in decibels (dB) More info: www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html 2. What level of noise is produced by NYC trains A: Noise levels produced by NYC trains can exceed 100dB whereas acceptable noise for sleeping areas is less than 30dB and less than 50dB for living areas . More info: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/decibel-dba-levels-d_728.html 3. How is excessive outdoor noise prevented from entering indoors A: Using specialized building materials such as soundproof windows 4. How much more expensive are soundproof windows A: According to discussions with several window manufacturers a soundproof window with a STC rating of 55 can cost from $200 to $400 more than a standard non-soundproof window. 5. What is an STC rating A: STC stands for Sound Transmission Class and is a measure of how much noise is stopped by something. http://www.soundproofwindows.com/technical.html 6. Aren’t all new windows soundproof A: No, standard dual pane windows with an STC rating of 35 will not stop the train noise. 7. Do soundproof windows function like regular windows A: Yes, soundproof windows open and close just as well as standard windows 8. What about our walls, are they soundproof A: Although verification by a professional is recommended Luna Park’s wall system will likely have a high enough STC rating as to not compromise the benefits of soundproof windows. 9. Are there really health effects due to excessive noise A: Yes, http://www.euro.who.int/Noise http://www.euro.who.int/Noise/Activities/20040304_1 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129928.php http://handpdx.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/health-and-safety-effects-113009.doc 10. Are there health laws and building regulations that require special windows be installed A: Probably, but their enforcement is lax. http://www.tenantsservices.com/art_nyc_noise.php 11. Why was your letter anonymous A: The politics of all cooperatives are complex and given Luna Park’s history we prefer to stay anonymous. 12. What should I do if I feel this issue must be addressed A: Sign the petition, talk to your neighbors. We assume that the decision makers will prepare a response to our open letter in the near future. If no public response is provided you should contact the management company and the board and request more details. Feel free to email us other questions [email protected]