In 2014, in response to growing frustration with helicopters passing over the North Fork, Southold Town established its Helicopter Noise Steering Committee.
Coming up on five years later, helicopter noise has only gotten worse as the Federal Aviation Administration has been slow to change the North Shore Route. READ
After a Federal Aviation Administration workshop held in Riverhead earlier this month left residents and elected officials alike dissatisfied, elected officials gathered at Iron Pier Beach in Jamesport Wednesday to demand the FAA hold a proper public hearing on the matter.
The workshop, meant to allow residents an opportunity to file complaints over the spike in helicopters flying across the North Fork, only allowed attendees to submit written statements. READ
When the Federal Aviation Administration extended its North Shore Helicopter Route in 2016 for four more years, we argued in this space that it was another example of government sticking with the status quo rather than addressing a problem. At the time, we argued the FAA had failed to take into account any public input before making its decision. READ
More than a 125 people attended Wednesday’s Federal Aviation Administration workshop in Riverhead to express complaints over the constant buzz of helicopters flying across the North Fork. But the format of the hearing left many feeling as if the FAA was failing to take their complaints seriously. READ
To the editor:
The FAA cannot be allowed to interpret a law, it must, as all must, follow the law. The FAA is making a mockery of the FAA Reauthorization Act, sponsored by Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) and the Congress and president who signed it into law. (more…)
Good for democracy.
That’s the significance of the legislation authored by State Senator Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) signed into law last week by Governor Andrew Cuomo providing that if any future East Hampton Town Board wants a Federal Aviation Administration grant running 10 years or more, it would have to be approved by the voters.
Local elected leaders say they aren’t giving up their fight against helicopter noise despite the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to reject Southold Town’s petition requesting that the controversial North Shore route be reconsidered.
It’s been nearly two months since Southold Town petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider its decision to extend the North Shore helicopter route, which has led to noise complaints from East End residents.
Southold Town announced Tuesday that it has filed a formal complaint asking that the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider and change its recent ruling extending the North Shore helicopter route for four years. The town argues in its petition that the agency did not give the public its right of notice and opportunity to be heard before extending the route, which has led to noise complaints from East End residents.
To the editor:
The good news is that I got to retire in 2010. The bad news is that, although I have the time to enjoy the serenity of my yard, I can’t due to the constant noise intrusion caused by loud, low-flying seaplanes and helicopters. READ