It’s A Business That’s Under Fire And U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Adds Fuel To The Flames

Residents continue to complain about the noise caused from helicopter tours along the Hudson River and now U.S. Senator Bob Menendez jumps into the fray. Tourist helicopter trips take off and land in only one spot in New York City: the Financial District's Pier 6, in the East River. There are currently five companies that operate from the city-owned heliport.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez released the following statement today in reaction to legislation proposed by the New York City Council to ban tourist helicopter traffic over the Hudson River:

“I strongly support New York City Councilmembers Carlos Menchaca, Helen Rosenthal, Margaret Chin and others for standing up for residents on both sides of the Hudson who are plagued by the non-stop buzzing of helicopters overhead.  Residents want these tourist helicopters grounded and they deserve relief from the incessant noise and pounding headaches.

The threat to public safety is very real and very troublesome, and this commonsense bill attempts to protect the people both in the air and on the ground. Solving this problem will take a unified effort at all levels of government, and I’m pleased that the New York City Council is joining in the fight to improve public safety and the lives of our constituents. The New Jersey State Legislature is already considering legislation to ban tourist helicopter flights and I applaud the New York City Council for taking this important step.”

It is estimated that about 40,000 tourist take these flights each year.

FMI: www.menendez.senate.gov/