1.  Why should I care about aircraft noise? I never hear it.

Aircraft noise affects thousands of properties all over Town, NOT just those near the airport. It affects neighborhoods over an area of more than 20 square miles.

Aircraft noise has dramatically increased in formerly quiet neighborhoods far from the airport, such as Noyac, North Haven, Shelter Island, Georgica, and the North Fork.

The noise “hotline” consistently records thousands of noise complaints each year. Nothing is done about noise complaints.

Routing traffic just moves noise impacts elsewhere. It does not reduce noise caused by traffic itself.

2.  Do we have the power to pass local laws that would directly limit noise?

Local control is an indisputable legal right, confirmed in clear federal law.These rights are nullified when the Town accepts grant funds from the FAA.

East Hampton is an airport owner or proprietor.Airport owners can enact local laws limiting airport access and use to protect the community from noise.

Local noise controls can limit hours, establish curfews, apply weekend restrictions and even ban noisy helicopters.

Local control was explicitly approved in a leading federal case. New York City’s used local control to eliminate noise from a Manhattan heliport.

The law is effective and undisputed. Only the US Supreme Court could change it.

3. What would East Hampton have to do to enact local airport noise control laws?

When an airport owner accepts FAA grant money, it is required to sign contract promises, or assurances. Assurances prohibit local noise control, and last 20 years.

Once assurances expire, an airport owner can again enact local noise controls.

In just 2 ½ years, East Hampton’s existing assurances will expire, leaving it free to enact local airport noise controls.

If East Hampton accepts new FAA money, it will surrender its right to local control for twenty years.

4. Would local control make the airport more dangerous?

No.  The FAA would still regulate aircraft flight, equipment and safety. Local noise control does not impact safety.

5.  What his the Town government doing about airport noise?

Despite Town promises, under FAA control, it is not possible to limit airport use and access to control noise or helicopter traffic. FAA control will make it impossible to reduce the number of flights.

6.  Would local control cost the taxpayers?

Local control would cost airport users more, not taxpayers.

Currently, airport use is cheap. East Hampton based planes pay no landing fees.

A small local fuel tax is used for airport costs. Aircraft owners also pay rent for aircraft parking.

Only 17% of all U.S. airports are even eligible for FAA funds. The vast majority operate without FAA funds, serving a clientele much less wealthy than in East Hampton. East Hampton can afford local control.

7.  Won’t local noise control hurt our economy?

East Hampton draws visitors and celebrity homeowners because it has preserved its quiet rural charm. Aircraft noise damages that character.

Ordinary residents living far from the airport pay a high price in the loss of peace and quiet, solely for the convenience of a tiny group of visitors.

Unchecked aircraft noise damages our economy; local noise control protects it. If noise continues to increase, East Hampton will become a less desirable destination for discerning visitors.