Westchester County Executive George Latimer is announcing an open house with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in New Castle regarding Westchester County Airport. The open house will include participation from HMMH, an environmental and transportation planning consultant which recently completed a noise study for the County, Westchester County Airport officials, and the FAA. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the study, air traffic procedures in the area and airport operations, in a more informal environment. Westchester County residents are invited to attend at any point during the open house, where they will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a variety of experts, without formal presentations. Latimer requested the open house after hearing concerns from the New Castle community, in an effort to better understand the issue. US Senator Charles Schumer, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and US Congresswoman Nita Lowey supported the request of this open house.
Wednesday, January 22
6 to 8 p.m.
New Castle Community Center
10 Senter Street
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Latimer said: “We want the residents of New Castle and the surrounding communities to know that we hear their concerns, and we are making every attempt to make this process better. If we can work together with the FAA to reduce the impact on those affected by aircraft noise, we can ensure that Westchester County Airport reminds a vibrant transportation hub, an economic benefits driver, and above all else a good neighbor to our residents.”
Schumer said: “I’m pleased that FAA has headed our call and will finally be able to hear the concerns of Westchester residents at a public meeting focused on noise pollution from Westchester County Airport. We pushed for this public meeting so that the FAA can hear the serious concerns from Westchester folks and present ways to mitigate and respond to these concerns.”
Gillibrand said: “Excessive airplane noise harms the quality of life in our communities, and for too many Westchester residents the level of aircraft noise has become intolerable. That’s why, earlier this year, I called on the FAA to meet with the Westchester community, and I’m hopeful that this open house will serve as an important first step to provide residents the relief they deserve. The FAA must be transparent and commit to addressing the concerns of New Yorkers. I was proud to partner with Senator Schumer, Congresswoman Lowey, and County Executive Latimer in this effort, and I will continue to fight to ensure the FAA works with the Westchester community to finally reduce overhead flight noise.”
Lowey said: “Over the last several years, communities near Westchester County Airport have raised concerns regarding aircraft noise. I am pleased that the FAA is taking those concerns seriously and has heeded our request to come to Westchester. I congratulate County Executive Latimer for his hard work to lay the groundwork for FAA’s visit by holding public meetings and studying noise impacts.”
New Castle Town Board Member and Supervisor-elect Ivy Pool said: “I truly appreciate the collaboration and partnership we have with County Executive George Latimer’s office, and the responsiveness of our Federal elected officials, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswoman Lowey. This meeting with the FAA is an important step towards finding fair, equitable solutions for Westchester communities, including New Castle, that have been adversely impacted by airport noise and other environmental concerns. We are pleased to host this meeting and look forward to a productive exchange.”