Hudson County Executive Craig Guy says the HHI Heliport operator has agreed to reduce to flights after a meeting last week that included Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“County Executive Guy made clear that changes must be made to our operation, and we will continue working with the County Executive’s Office, as well as other Hudson County elected officials and the community-at-large, to make sure we are effectively responding to their concerns,” HHI Heliport CEO Jeff Hyman said in a statement.
Moving forward, 90 percent of the trips out of the Kearny heliport will take place during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the spring, summer, and fall, as well as 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. during the winter.
Additionally, HHI has pledged that it will not contract another tour company to replace the now-defunct New York Helicopters. Without this additional tour company operation, it is estimated that annually 3,000 movements per year will be reduced in the area.
“Unfettered helicopter flights over Hudson County are unacceptable. This is a safety issue, a quality-of-life issue, and an environmental issue. It is time to hold these operators accountable for their actions,” added County Executive Craig Guy.
“The remedies HHI has offered are but a first step to addressing concerns of Hudson County residents. This issue remains the highest priority for me and Congressman Rob Menendez- we will remain vigilant in ensuring the lives of our people are not constantly harassed by helicopter flights. We will be watching and will take stock of the situation and see if HHI is meeting its commitments. The proof will be in the pudding.”
U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) introduced a bill last month seeking to ban non-essential helicopter travel in the wake of a fatal Hudson River crash that claimed six lives in April, as HCV first reported.
He further stated that HHI Heliport accountable by following up with the company within 30 days to ensure the aforementioned standards are enforced.
Hoboken 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano noted this development at Wednesday evening’s council meeting, where they voted against a $15,000 law contract to proceed with suing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over non-essential helicopter travel.
Late yesterday afternoon, Mayor Ravi Bhalla, a Democratic candidate for state Assembly in the 32nd Legislative District, announced that the lawsuit would be moving forward, with or without the council’s support.
This didn’t last long. Helicopters are now flying constantly over my house and it is 9pm. Fun stuff