Quinn & Guerrero-Cuellar Service Office Hosts Soundproof Window Replacement Meeting
Local community organizations co-host event to help Midway community members find replacements for problematic, foul-smelling windows
Ald. Marty Quinn and Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, along with other community leaders, held a meeting Monday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. to provide homeowners with details on how to test and replace soundproof windows emitting foul smelling gas.
Residents who had soundproof windows installed because of their homes’ proximity to Midway Airport are encouraged to sign up for replacement windows as soon as possible. Over 10,000 residents who reside in the 13th, 14th and 23rd wards may qualify for window replacements. In order to qualify for window replacement, homeowners must: 1) schedule an inspection within six months of official notification from the Chicago Department of Aviation and 2) have at least one window be confirmed for off-gassing.
“We know issues with soundproof windows have plagued our community for a long time and that many residents are affected by this nuisance,” said Guerrero-Cuellar. “I am committed to finding solutions for every resident who has been burdened by soundproof windows that were meant to keep their families safe and comfortable but have caused all kinds of problems instead.”
Discussion from the meeting will provide further recommendations to the Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee, a group created by state statute that has been meeting monthly to address the problematic windows throughout the Midway community. Quinn has been working on the issue for years to address the problem.
“I applaud Rep. Guerrero-Cuellar for immediately taking up this issue and understanding its importance to the Midway community,” Quinn said. “Angie has already been door-to-door speaking with residents, has held a number of meetings on the issue and is committed to helping Midway residents resolve a problem that is affecting their quality of life.”
Pamela Zidarich, a Midway resident who had the soundproof windows installed, has been dealing with the foul-smelling windows for years. She raised the issue with city officials and has been working to help other residents get their windows tested and replaced.
“I will not stop until all of these horrible windows are replaced throughout our community,” Zidarich said. “I applaud Rep. Guerrero-Cuellar for stepping up to help with this important project and Ald. Quinn for all he has done to replace these windows in our homes.”
Eddie Guillen, who has worked closely with Zidarich, is also encouraging residents to get in line for replacement windows.
“We know there are many local residents who qualify for window replacements,” Guillen said. “We hope people will act quickly to have windows tested and replaced so we can restore some peace of mind for homeowners in the Midway community.”
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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