Call to address airplane noise complaints

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy called on federal and airport officials to better address noise complaints from residents under the Kennedy and LaGuardia airport flight paths.

McCarthy (D-Mineola) Thursday released a letter she sent to the Federal Aviation Administration and Port Authority last week. In it, she asks the two agencies to clarify their jurisdictions concerning airplane noise mitigation and create a single, toll-free number so residents can easily file complaints.

"It is imperative that all related agencies take part in mitigating noise levels," wrote McCarthy, who represents communities in North Hempstead and Hempstead towns. "I believe that transparency is integral to addressing some of the frustrations experienced by the residents in my district and across Long Island."

The FAA is responsible for concerns about low-flying aircraft, while the Port Authority, which manages LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark airports, is responsible for addressing airport noise. Both agencies operate automated noise hotlines.

Municipal officials and residents of communities under the flight path for the approach to Kennedy's Runway 22L have complained that noise caused by air traffic and low-flying planes has increased in the past year and disrupted their lives, especially at night.

"We believe that low approaches are inherently unsafe," said Garden City Trustee Laurence Quinn, a member of the Town-Village Aircraft Safety Noise Abatement Committee, which represents about 145,000 people living in 13 communities in Hempstead and North Hempstead towns.

Members of the 40-year-old coalition have been asking for an equitable distribution of flights onto the airport's eight runway approaches, a ban on low-flying planes and a reduction in late-night flights.

"I hope other legislators follow suit and put a little bit of pressure on the FAA and the Port Authority," Christina O'Keeffe, who represents Stewart Manor on the committee, said of McCarthy's efforts.

Federal officials have said runway usage is determined by many factors, including wind direction, weather conditions, construction projects and noise abatement procedures. Officials from both agencies have said that they are working to control jet noise.

FAA spokesman Jim Peters said the agency hadn't received McCarthy's letter but would address issues she raised. A Port Authority spokesman said the agency got the letter and will review her recommendations.

Ray Gaudio, who represents East Williston on the noise abatement committee, said McCarthy is only targeting the filing of complaints, not their cause.

"She is not addressing the issues," Gaudio said. "If the agencies address the [noise and aircraft altitude] issues, then we would not have any complaints."

Representatives from both agencies will attend a committee meeting Oct. 24 in the Lawrence High School auditorium.