Have you been bothered by aircraft noise while trying to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends?
Southampton has been the doormat for the East Hampton Airport (KHTO) for years, and on July 6 you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on the future of the airport.
The East Hampton Town Board will solicit public input on the possible repurposing of the airport as the Federal Aviation Administration grant assurances expire in September. When the assurances expire, the town will have control over the airport if the town does not accept additional FAA money.
Minor adjustments to flight paths have been made over the years. A new flight path now comes over Noyac to avoid East Hampton. So, in addition to the November route that brings all helicopters over us, we now are the preferred doormat for planes headed to KHTO.
Here are some mind-boggling statistics for air traffic over Southampton for this year: Helicopters have increased by 414 percent; jets have increased by 43 percent; turboprops have increased by 189 percent; seaplanes have increased by 82 percent. The yearly air traffic increase over Southampton from May 2020 through May 2021 is 77 percent. Enough is enough.
On May 11, 2021, East Hampton Town released a report, “East Hampton Airport — Preliminary Economic Impact Analysis,” which is worth reading. The summary basically states that if the airport were to close, there would be quality-of-life benefits, reduced pollution, reduced noise and an increase in property values. Repurposing the airport will benefit everyone on the South Fork.
East Hampton Town held several discussion sessions with North Fork residents, and the air traffic over the North Fork has dramatically decreased — aka less noise pollution, a treasured benefit. So what about Southampton?
On July 6, at 10 a.m., you will be able to give your opinion to the East Hampton Town Board in person or remotely. Please avail yourself of this special opportunity. It may never come again.
Elena Loreto
President
Noyac Civic Council
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