Local Coalition Expresses Concerns Over Possible Airport Restrictions

A local coalition aimed to ‘fight the scourge of aircraft noise and pollution’ on the East End expressed concerns on the possible restrictions for East Hampton Airport to reduce aircraft noise proposed at an East Hampton Town Board meeting earlier this month.

Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez proposed the Town implement four restrictions on the use of the airport including a mandatory nighttime curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., an extended curfew on noisy aircraft from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m., a ban on all helicopters on weekends during the summer season and a limit on operations by noisy aircraft of one trip (one arrival and one departure) per week during the summer season.

The Quiet Skys Coalition stated in a press release that they believe these four new local laws will go a long way toward relieving the East End from aviation noise pollution.

“It is critically important that the aircraft noise control program succeed this season,” the group wrote in the release. “The work of this Town Board has been exemplary. But, the eyes of the entire East End are upon us as we move toward returning the peaceful enjoyment of home and property to residents and wildlife alike. Meaningful aircraft noise relief must be delivered to retain the confidence and trust of the noise-affected public.”

According to the release, during the season, the laws would restrict 88% of helicopters and 30% of other aircraft with the potential to reduce helicopter complaints by 92% and overall noise complaints by 70%.

While the group supports the laws, they are concerned that the weekend ban and the curfew would result in an increase of seaplane traffic.

“QSC believes it is imperative that, once adopted, the Board review its newly enacted local laws and amend them as soon as possible so as to impose the one-round trip per week limitation and the 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. curfew on noisy turboprop and piston aircraft, to end the seaplane loophole. Such an early local law amendment would save many East End residents from the seaplane explosion,” the group wrote in the release.

The airport noise control legislation that will be the subject of a hearing at LTV Studios on Industrial Road in Wainscott on March 5 starting at 4:30 p.m.

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