Hannon: Port Authority to Begin Airport Noise Studies in Fall

Nassau residents who’ve long-complained about airport noise may be one step closer to quieter skies.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects to begin noise studies for LaGuardia and JFK airports in the fall, according to Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City.

The study is in response to a senate bill co-sponsored by Hannon and Sen. Jack Martins, R-Mineola. They worked with members of the Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC) and community advocates to craft the bill to require the Port Authority to conduct a noise study to address airplane noise affecting Long Island communities.

The studies will comply with FAA requirements on public involvement during all phases, and the selected consultant will prepare noise exposure maps, land use compatibility analysis, noise abatement procedures and noise mitigation measure as applicable for each study, according to a news release issued by Hannon. In addition, the consultant will “design and conduct a robust public participation program to insure input from the communities surrounding each airport.”

Hannon said he was pleased that the Port Authority was conducting the studies and “seeking public input, since Long Island communities are being inundated by jet noise.”

“It’s clear to anyone living under the flight paths of these airplanes that airplane noise has gotten progressively worse, and something must be done to mitigate the noise,. These studies are a first step towards getting the FAA to stop overloading Nassau County with airplane overflights that drive residents crazy and won’t allow them to enjoy outdoor activities in their own homes.”

A copy of Hannon’s recent letter to Patrick Foye, executive director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey can be found here.