Winthrop Town Council Approves Three Appointments, Hears Massport Runway Update

WINTHROP -- October 21, 2025, Massport faced pointed questions over seven-day construction noise as Winthrop Town Council heard updates on the Logan Airport runway safety project and soundproofing program at its October 21 meeting. Massport deputy director of airfield projects Sarah Denichuk said the runway 9-27 safety area project, which began September 2, is scheduled to reopen November 16, with a second 75-day construction phase starting after July 1, 2026, pile driving running 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week; Councilor Ayala called the schedule "very unfair and very unacceptable." Noise abatement manager Steve Sulprizio said Winthrop has 351 potentially eligible properties for the soundproofing program, which is now funded 80 percent by FAA grants and 20 percent by Massport capital funds, and expects to reach a pace of 60 homes per year by 2027 or 2028; only two Winthrop homes are slated for the 2026 construction phase after two applicants withdrew. The council voted unanimously to approve three committee appointments made by Council President Letary, including the first appointment to the Aviation and Nautical Committee, and a $1.1 million water-meter replacement appropriation was postponed to November 5.