FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2019
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng and Matthew Leonenko | (516) 869-7794
Town Board Approves Pursuing Legal Action against Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
North Hempstead, NY – The Town of North Hempstead’s Board last night approved the first step towards pursuing legal action against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the goal of alleviating the excessive noise and pollution caused by low flying planes approaching and departing JFK and LaGuardia airports. The legal action would be done in consort with many of the local villages that are affected by aircraft noise. The Village of East Hills has been especially adversely affected.
Board members approved an item at the October 24 meeting that would allow the Town to pursue inter-municipal agreements with any villages that are interested in suing the FAA. This would be the first step, followed by the retention of a law firm with expertise in this area. Legal costs would be divided between all the municipalities.
“Aircraft noise and pollution has become a critical quality of life issue for many of our North Hempstead residents,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “We have attempted to work with the FAA but we believe that they have consistently kicked the can down the road, or just ignored our requests entirely. It’s time to get their attention. The homeowners who live under their flight paths deserve no less.”
“Residents in my district have suffered with this for far too long,” said Council Member Peter Zuckerman. “This is the first step in our fight against the FAA on behalf of our residents.”
To date, the villages of East Hills and Upper Brookvillle have signed memorandum of Understand with the Town to proceed with the lawsuit.
