Melissa Elstein
2:10:58
Rightfully so, and we thank you so much.
2:11:00
Majority leader for hosting us and as well as all the other council members for being here on your your questions.
2:11:06
My name is Melissa Elsteyn.
2:11:07
I'm on the board.
2:11:08
I've stopped the chop, NY And J.
2:11:10
As well as aboard the West eighties Neighborhood Association.
2:11:13
Both our volunteer led local grassroots nonprofits.
2:11:16
We strongly support the passage of the 3 helicopter bills and 3 resolutions being heard today.
2:11:21
I live on the upper west side, like Andy.
2:11:24
And there are numerous days per week in our neighborhood.
2:11:26
It sounds like a war zone.
2:11:28
Due to all the fossil fuel based tourism commuter helicopters traversing the Hudson River, otherwise known as the new helicopter highway.
2:11:35
And I may add that over water doesn't necessarily help because it amplifies the noise.
2:11:40
So the Hudson River is now a helicopter highway, as well as the many cross channel flights negatively impacting our homes as well as Riverside And Central Parks.
2:11:49
I also thought initially that they were media news emergency services, but became involved with this cause when I realized that it was so unfair that simple joy rides and commutes by helicopter, we're creating so much misery.
2:12:03
So, basically, this volunteer work, which has consumed my life, and I'm you know, we're up till midnight 2 AM working on this.
2:12:12
How could just a few polluting companies be allowed to wreak havoc on our lives to the point where the constant and disturbing noise created enormously stressful conditions, diminished QAvel.
2:12:22
So this is a story I hear from New Yorkers throughout the city, including from actor, mother, and Brooklynite, Amy Schumer, who is filming a movie today and couldn't be here, so I am reading part of her submitted statement.
2:12:33
She writes, Our homes, neighborhoods, and parks are bombarded with the deafening and alarming noise of these choppers.
2:12:38
12 hours a day, most days.
2:12:41
I urge are elected leaders to end the flights of these nonessential helicopters over New York City and its 9,000,000 agreements.
2:12:48
9,000,000 residents, we agree with miss Schumer.
2:12:52
And to those who say the nonessential helicopter band would harm the economy, while I heard those same faulty arguments when I was volunteering with my neighbor's association, to help brand and fracking in New York, single use, plastic shopping bags and straws, smoking and bars and parks.
2:13:06
The New York City economy will survive a ban on this niche industry And by the way, Disney World And Disneyland have such bands.
2:13:12
It has become untenable.
2:13:14
No other world class city has its unnecessary problem.
2:13:17
It's time we end the wild west, like chopper skies over in New York, improve public now, chat mess, transit, and promote clean and green quiet transportation modes in dead.
2:13:26
Thank you so much.