Deal Reached Between The City And Industry

The helicopter tourism industry and New York City officials have agreed to a compromise that will cut the number of tourist flights over the city by half.

But the alternative was pending legislation that could have banned them altogether.

Multiple New York and national media outlets cite a joint news release issued by the Helicopter Tourism and Jobs Council and the New York City Economic Development Corp. announcing an agreement to cut the number of flights by 30,000 per year. Sunday flights will end on April 1. Other flights must be cut by 20 percent by June 1 and 40 percent by October 1, according to the agreement.

In a quote in the joint release, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said the agreement will “significantly cut down on the number of helicopter tours near residential areas and major parks, while keeping this part of our tourism sector active and viable. Everyone gave a little to get to this outcome, but the solution will mean a more livable city for everyone," he said.

However, the compromise did not sit well with anti-helicopter groups in the city. Television station WTIC in Hartford, CT reports that John Dellaportas, president of the community group "Stop the Chop", said that the "so-called compromise actually entrenches the helicopter industry while doing nothing for New York City families, students, park goers and workers. We will continue to push for a full ban and expect the City Council to see through this PR ploy for what it is.”

FMI: http://helicoptertourism.com, http://www.nycedc.com, www.stopthechopnynj.org