TESTIMONY
Melissa Elstein, Board Member of Stop the Chop NY And NJ and the West Eighties Neighborhood Association, on the Disruptive Impact of Helicopter Noise and Tourism Flights Over New York City
2:10:55
·
152 sec
Elstein testifies about the severe noise disruption caused by fossil fuel-based tourism and commuter helicopters traversing the Hudson River and impacting neighborhoods like the Upper West Side.
- She advocates for the passage of three helicopter-related bills and resolutions being considered to restrict non-essential helicopter flights.
- Elstein shares that the constant disturbing helicopter noise creates enormously stressful conditions and diminished quality of life for NYC residents.
- She echoes concerns from residents like Amy Schumer about the deafening noise from non-essential helicopter flights over the city's homes, parks and neighborhoods.
- Elstein argues that banning non-essential helicopter tours will not harm the NYC economy, citing precedents like bans at Disney parks.
Melissa Elstein
2:10:55
Yes.
2:10:56
People are very passionate about this.
Amanda FarÃas
2:10:57
I know.
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.
2:12:10
We are prepared.
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.
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Andrew Rosenthal, Long-Time Upper West Side Resident, on Ineffective Process for Reporting Helicopter Noise Complaints and Lack of Action by the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
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Lara Birnback, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, on the Detrimental Impacts of Helicopter Noise Pollution and Safety Risks on New York City Communities