Hearing on Westchester Airport Master Plan is Thursday

HARRISON, NY — A public hearing on the Westchester County Airport’s draft master plan will be held Thursday in the Little Theater at the Westchester County Center. The public hearing will include a presentation of the plan and an opportunity for attendees to comment.

Westchester County Airport is one of the most active business aviation facilities in the United
States. The airport was in the bottom 10 percent of airports nationwide for departure on-time performance according to the December 2016 Air Travel Consumer Report.

The last Master Plan Update was prepared in 1986.

The hearing comes as the county considers a controversial plan for a public-private partnership.

A company headed by Thomas L. Bosco, former Director of Aviation for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and David J. Barger, former Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue Airways Corporation, wants a long-term lease agreement.

Westchester is eligible for such a partnership under a Federal Aviation Administration program for small to mid-sized airports.

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino lists six advantages: save taxpayers more than $140 million, improve the overall passenger experience, energize the local economy, and strengthen environmental protections, maintain the current footprint of the airport and preserve the quality of life of the surrounding communities.

Opponents say they fear the plan will lead to expansion of the airport.

The public hearing starts at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and there will be free parking at the County Center parking lot.

WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains

WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 27

WHO:

• Commissioner Vincent F. Kopicki, P.E., Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation
• Dennis Yap, P.E., president/owner of DY Consultants
• Lyor Dahan, director of planning at DY Consultants, study project manager

SEE ALSO:

• Firm Formed for Westchester County Airport Operation
  
• Rally Against Privatization of Westchester County Airport
  
• Public-Private Partnership Proposed for Westchester County
  

Image: Figure 1: Major Facility Deficiencies at HPN from the Draft Master Plan