Letters

The airport debacle has been going on for years, with the affected residents at the bottom of the list. The hand-wringing of the self-interest proponents is obvious — nary a word, ever, about the safety of those on the ground.

We are constantly bombarded with low altitudes, often just above treetops, exposing families and homes to a catastrophe. The hand-wringing self-interest proponents cry “fire in a crowded theater” — that a potential disaster requires it?

Large cargo planes have to go to Westhampton, because they cannot land here. “Wealthy travelers would abandon the Hamptons should they not be able to fly over the traffic jams”? Don’t make us laugh! This place was here long before them.

So, let the peons suffer the daily disruption at all hours, deprive them of the enjoyment of their homes and properties. Expose us to constant danger of a crash. There have been near-misses and crashes, and thankfully no homes or lives were lost. Think Egypt and Lumber lanes and Scuttle Hole Road? Did not the tower operators complain about the “cowboy” helicopter pilots who come in from all angles and cannot be seen until the last moment?

Lost jobs? That happens everywhere, and I am not concerned that the charter services will be affected. We are the town and support it through taxes and the economy, year-round. Places close due to high rents — and that is more than 21 people. People are fleeing this state.

Close the damn nuisance, and eliminate noise, lead and air pollution (yes, they use leaded gas). Clean energy, such as a solar farm, would benefit the entire area and return some resemblance of peace and quiet.

Have meetings till the cows come home. Things change, and closing it is warranted.

Arthur French

Wainscott