Assemblymen Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and Edward Braunstein joined Senators Jack Martins and Kemp Hannon and several of their legislative colleagues at a press conference today in front of the New Hyde Park Village Hall to highlight their legislation, passed by both chambers before Legislative Session ended last week, authorizing the Port Authority to study whether or not the increase in aircraft noise over Long Island is having a detrimental effect on residents. The bill (A.7697) utilizes federal airport improvement funds to address this issue seriously affecting the quality of life for residents.

“I’m pleased to join many of my colleagues in the Legislature today and announce this important piece of legislation for Long Island,” said Ra. “In recent years, there has been a massive increase in airplane traffic, causing an unacceptable rise in noise levels for our residents. With this study on aircraft noise, we can best determine the use of certain runways and flight paths and use federal funding to solve this serious issue. I thank Senators Martins and Hannon for their stewardship of this matter in the Senate, as well as Assemblywoman Titus for helping guide this through the Assembly. Because of their efforts, we can address and enhance the quality of life for all our residents.”

“Last year, the FAA instituted a new flight pattern that created a constant barrage of airplane noise in Northeast Queens,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein. “The agency made these changes without any public input or environmental impact studies. I join with my colleagues to urge Governor Cuomo to sign this important legislation, which would require the Port Authority to conduct necessary noise surveys and hold public hearings about the negative impact increased air traffic has had on our communities.”

“My office continues to hear from homeowners who are irate at the increase in air traffic over their homes, which is causing an intolerable amount of air and noise pollution,” said Senator Tony Avella. “Frankly, it is unfathomable that the Port Authority, which controls three of the busiest airports in the world in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, has not conducted a study assessing the impact of aircraft noise in residential areas. While I understand new flight patterns may need to be instituted, they need to be properly evaluated to determine the impact on the quality of life for residents. Therefore, I am pleased that this legislation requiring the Port Authority to conduct a noise and land-use compatibility survey passed the Legislature and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the governor signs it into law.”

“The three airports operated by the Port Authority (PA) collectively represent the busiest airport system in the United States,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). "The noise generated by all these overflights has increased steadily over time, and it's incumbent on the PA to conduct a noise study to ensure that aircraft noise is given proper consideration by airport operators when they determine which runways and approach paths to use. This legislation will require noise study and public hearings to ensure that airplane noise is considered when airport operators determine which flight paths and runways will be used on any given day."

“Jet aircraft noise affects more than just the communities immediately surrounding our airports. It is also a nuisance to those directly under the flight paths, which are sometimes changed without warning or public input. This bill protects our families impacted by airplane noise by requiring the Port Authority to conduct studies and hold public hearings and then take steps to fix the problem,” said Senator Jack M. Martins.

“This issue of incessant and excessive noise pollution from low-flying aircraft over the communities that I represent - like Malverne, Lynbrook, Valley Stream and Rockville Centre - required action from the community and local elected officials. I was proud to be part of a dedicated group of caring residents who have remained persistent in getting this issue addressed. It is regrettable that legislation was needed to get the FAA and Port Authority to act responsibly and address our numerous concerns, but it is heartening to know that this longstanding issue will finally be resolved. I hope to see the legislature of New Jersey join us in the final steps of getting this study performed and make the quality of life better for our communities,” said Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st AD).

“The rapid growth of air travel in our region has clearly impacted our environment. The changes in flight patterns continue to affect the quality of life of many residents on Long Island in terms of noise pollution and air pollution. This legislation is the first step in addressing this critical issue,” said Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel.

“Aviation noise is a pressing concern in our community and has been a persistent nuisance. I, along with my fellow legislators, have been working diligently to develop a workable solution that will lessen the burden of air traffic noise endured by our residents. This study and subsequent public hearings are the primary steps in continuing the dialogue between the community and responsible parties in an effort to resolve this dilemma once and for all,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.

“We are proud of our local state representatives who have heard our cries and have taken the necessary action to address the excessive aircraft activity above our community,” said Mayor of the Village of New Hyde Park Robert Lofaro.