Sen. Menendez, Rep. Sires Anticipate Plan To Put Into Action Recommendations From Residents, Local Officials

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and U.S. Congressman Albio Sires (both D-NJ) have contacted the FAA to present a plan for implementing tourist helicopter restrictions to protect quality of life and safety in New Jersey communities along the Hudson River.

The two, in conjunction with the FAA, held a symposium August 27th at Teterboro Airport to hear from stakeholders and to evaluate the issues that were involved in ameliorating the situation.
 
"We note that there has been a substantial increase in helicopter traffic from 2012 to 2013, which has only exacerbated the concerns communities along the Hudson are having," the letter says. "While we understand the economic development interests of helicopter tourism, we believe that the residents’ well-being and public safety must be the preeminent concerns. Because helicopters have unique characteristics that cause more intensive noise perception than fixed-wing aircraft, we think you will agree that no one should have to endure this barrage of noise and vibration that our New Jersey communities on the Hudson River are experiencing.
 
"We appreciate your promise to – within a month of the Aug 27th symposium – present a plan that could be swiftly implemented that will involve helicopter flight restrictions including fewer flights as well as keeping flights further from shore, higher in altitude, and with strict adherence to time constraints while keeping public safety as a paramount concern.  We want to offer you any help you should need to ensure we adhere to this timeframe," the letter states. The plan has not yet been presented.
 
The FAA has recommended a smaller stakeholders’ meeting "before October 18" to discuss a plan to implement the recommendations. Menedez and Sires said they would be "happy to host this meeting at the Office of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez in Newark, N.J."

(Pictured L-R: Senator Menendez, Congressman Sires)

FMI: www.menendez.senate.gov, http://sires.house.gov