Suozzi Backs Vallone’s Resolution Shielding Northeast Queens from Helicopter Traffic

Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi sent a letter to Daniel K. Elwell, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in support of New York City Council Member Paul Vallone’s resolution to amend the North Shore Helicopter Route so pilots can no longer fly low over Northeast Queens, specifically Whitestone, Malba Gardens and Bay Terrace.

Suozzi wrote in the letter, “I represent thousands of constituents in Northeast Queens who are constantly bombarded by helicopter noise on a daily basis. Helicopter traffic is only going to intensify as the weather warms and affluent vacationers make their getaways to the East End of Long Island.”

He added, “I became Co-Chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus because my constituents in Northeast Queens have been forced to endure constant and intrusive noise due to low-flying helicopters at all hours of the night. Noise pollution deteriorates quality of life, as well as property values. The FAA has a responsibility to develop long-term strategies to alleviate unreasonable helicopter noise. I am in full support of Council Member Vallone’s resolution, and I call upon the FAA to seriously review our proposals.”

In 2008 the FAA established the North Shore Helicopter Route. Originally it was a voluntary path that pilots could take over the Long Island Sound. In 2012 it became mandated that pilots utilize the route when flying to and from the East End. In 2016 the FAA ruled to keep the route active through 2020. An unacceptable by-product of the current route is increased helicopter traffic over Northeast Queens.

“The now infamous North Shore route must be reexamined to stop the assault on our quality of life for the benefit of the helicopter industry and their Hamptons commuters. I am tired of an industry that hides behind the FAA and Port Authority without offering any voluntary changes to a system that they can easily fix without legislation,” said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development.

“A united approach with our legislators including Congressman Suozzi, community associations and residents will be key as we fight to protect our quality of life against the never-ending attack of helicopter flights across our neighborhoods,” added Vallone.

“We applaud Representative Tom Suozzi’s support of Council Member Vallone’s resolution to the FAA to move the current North Shore Helicopter Route from flying directly over the Whitestone and surrounding communities. This is a battle we have been fighting for four years. The overwhelming number of helicopters and sea planes that fly directly over our homes has had a negative impact on our health and quality of life. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the amount of air traffic makes it impossible to enjoy any outdoor activity in our communities,” said George Mirtsopoulos, Vice President of the We Love Whitestone Civic Association.