Candidate Adrian Madaro Proposes Plan to Lower Taxes and Expand Soundproofing for East Boston Residents Affected by Logan Airport

(East Boston, January 26, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several proposals to mitigate the impact of Logan Airport on the residents and businesses of East Boston, including a new tax abatement for properties negatively affected by noise pollution from the airport as well as expanding subsidies to sound proof windows.

Citing residents near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport who won tax appeals after arguing their properties lost value due to noise pollution, Madaro said a similar measure should be enacted in East Boston.

“The people of East Boston should receive a tax abatement for the loss of property value caused by this noise pollution.” Madaro continued. “Residents in Chicago saw up to a 12% reduction in their taxes. Those savings would make a big difference for many families here.”

“In addition to this tax break, it’s my belief that every single household in East Boston should be eligible for sound proof windows.” said Madaro. “and I will work with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand the noise contour map to cover our entire community.”

To cover costs of these proposals, Madaro suggested that a portion of the roughly $18 million that Massport currently pays annually to the City of Boston as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) be dedicated to lowering the property taxes of affected East Boston residents. Currently those funds are not specifically dedicated to East Boston and can be spent throughout the City.

“The payments that Massport makes to the City should be spent here in East Boston” said Madaro. “We are the ones that are most affected by the air and noise pollution and I will work with Massport and through the legislative process at the State House to ensure that these funds are used to specifically help Eastie residents.”

Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.
Source: Madaro Campaign