U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy are applauding the Town of Kearny for issuing a zoning violation to Helo Holdings, also known as HHI Heliport, for “operating outside of the conditions of the scope of approved conditions.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“In June, I received assurances from HHI Heliport’s CEO Jeff Hyman to abide by reasonable conditions intended to alleviate the rampant non-essential helicopter activity throughout Hudson County. Over the last three months, after listening to Jersey City and Hoboken
residents and reviewing flight data, it is clear that Hyman and his company have not upheld the agreed upon conditions,” Guy said in a statement.
“When businesses disturb Hudson County’s quality of life, they must be held accountable. I appreciate Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle’s quick response to this matter and look forward to HHI complying with local zoning regulations. I will continue to work with Mayor Doyle and Congressman Rob Menendez to ensure the lives of our people are not constantly harassed by helicopter flights.”
Guy and Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle first met with Hyman in late May to discuss quality of life concerns relating to helicopter activity.
This came shortly after Menendez, along with members of Congress from New Jersey and New York, introduced legislation to ban all non-essential helicopter traffic in the area back in May, as HCV first reported.
“Residents across Hudson County have been clear: the noise and disruption from non-essential helicopters is unacceptable,” Menendez added.
“I commend County Executive Guy and Mayor Doyle for taking action to hold HHI accountable. Our team will continue working with our local partners to push for stronger oversight and relief so residents can finally get the peace and quality of life they deserve.”
The violation notice says that a failure to comply with the cited zoning resolution could necessitate resubmitting an application for amended approval.
“Be advised that failure to comply with all conditions set forth in the approved
resolution would require resubmission to, and an amended approval by, the Kearny Zoning Board. Please contact this office directly for additional information.”
Doyle also noted that the crackdown on HHI Heliport is necessary at this point.
“Kearny takes pride in its small-town feel, and we all take great pleasure in being good neighbors to one another. Frankly speaking, HHI Heliport has not been a good neighbor to the residents of Jersey City and Hoboken,” she declared.
“HHI disregarded its own testimony to the Kearny Zoning Board about hours of operation, among other things, and despite the concerted efforts of Congressman Rob Menendez, County Executive Craig Guy, and me, HHI continued to flaunt the regulations it agreed to. We are now taking strong action in issuing a zoning violation and HHI is going to have to answer for its actions by September 26.”
