Phoenix, Arizona -- Some of the Phoenix Aviation Department’s most important community connections are not only occurring at Sky Harbor, but also in the neighborhoods near the airport. The Community Noise Reduction Program (CNRP) is providing options for those most affected by airplane noise, and hundreds of homeowners are now participating.

CNRP’s Voluntary Acquisition and Relocation Services (VARS) gives homeowners in the noise affected areas the opportunity to sell their home to the City of Phoenix and buy a home in another part of town. Robert and Lorena Maldonado have chosen to participate. “We’re going to end up with something five times better,” said Mr. Maldonado.

Not only did the City of Phoenix provide the Maldonado family with relocation benefits, VARS also stepped in to help when the Maldonados were in danger of losing their current home to a predatory lender. “It is benefiting us, we are leaving the noise area,” said Mrs. Maldonado. “And there are many more families benefiting as well. It makes me happy not only for my family but for all the others.”

The Community Noise Reduction Program began because residents in the noise affected areas west and north of Sky Harbor worked with Phoenix City leaders to make it happen. “We’re all in this together,” said Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson, who represents the area served by CNRP. So far, 215 families have chosen to relocate through VARS. Additionally, more than 180 have applied. About 65 percent of the owner occupants in the noise impacted areas have either already participated or have put in an application.

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department is now taking steps to make sure that those who remain in the neighborhoods are not surrounded by vacant houses. The City is demolishing more than 100 vacant structures that the program has acquired. Phoenix Aviation will maintain those lots by treating each parcel to minimize dust, cut weeds, repair fences and remove debris on a regular basis.

Homeowners who choose to relocate are offered follow up services after they move, including assistance connecting to resources in their new community. These “Post Move” follow up services last five years for owner-occupants and 3.5 years for tenants. They are also offered counseling on important issues such as equity protection, estate planning and property tax payments.