Photo credit: Robert So
by Arline L. Bronzaft, Ph.D., Board of Directors, GrowNYC, Co-founder, The Quiet Coalition, and Honorary Chair, Quiet American Skies
That helicopter noise has disrupted the lives of many residents in New York and New Jersey has been underscored by the activities of Stop the Chop NY/NJ, an organization that we have written about frequently. Now we learn from Mark Koosau, Hudson Reporter, that a federal draft plan by the National Park Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and tour operators would permit air tours around the Statue of Liberty and Governor’s Island, which the organizers claim will have limits that should not impose aviation noise. That draft plan is being challenged by the Friends of Liberty State Park, who argue that it will result in helicopters flying over the park.
The Friends of Liberty State Park state that “[p]eople deserve to enjoy Liberty State Park without the private interests of the helicopter companies disrupting and disturbing the peace at Liberty State Park.” But the FAA plans to sign the agreement for these helicopter tours by December.
Koosau writes that public comments can be submitted regarding this draft plan and lists the site to which these comments can be sent.
Knowing how difficult it is to stop the actions of the FAA, I still urge readers to learn more about the potential noise pollution from this new flight plan and to send in their comments. Liberty State Park is “a recreational, natural, cultural and historical treasure” and should be protected as such.
