Proposed Restrictions at East Hampton Airport Unveiled
The East Hampton Town Board has released proposed new restrictions at the East Hampton Airport aimed at reducing aviation noise.
The four points of the proposal are a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., an extended curfer on noisy aircraft from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m., a ban on all helicopters on weekends during summer, and a limit on noisy aircraft to one trip per week during summer.
Consultants the town hired estimate the proposed restrictions will affect only 31% of all operations, while addressing 74% of all complaints.
“The Town Board recognizes the value of the East Hampton Airport to the community and does not want to impose any greater restriction than is necessary to achieve the Town’s objectives,” Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said.
Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell said, “People are entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of their homes and the quiet of the open space East Hampton has fought to protect. It is a fundamental reason why people want to live here and it is the basis of our local economy.”
A budget and finance advisory committee will analyze the proposals to ensure the airport could remain financially sustainable under the restrictions.
A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for March 5 at 4:30 p.m. at East Hampton Town Hall. The town board is expected to take final action in mid-March.
A copy of the local law and supporting technical information is available at HTOPlanning.com. Comments can be submitted to [email protected]