New hangars mean more flights

Contrary to claims by aviation interests, the construction of new hangar space at Westchester County Airport increased the number of flights. Construction also increased the proportion of "local flights" that are to or from airports within 40 miles and are thus likely traveling empty to pick up passengers, since that distance could be covered faster by car. This is unsurprising as charter aircraft go where their customers are, with the exception of HPN competing with TEB for NYC based customers.

Million Air: Mislead the Public, Collect $1 Million

Million Air, an aircraft charter business and Fixed Base Operator, is seeking $1 million in state subsidies for their expansion at Westchester County Airport. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 13, from 10:00 am-11:00 am, at Harrison Town Hall. The state plans to adopt a finding of no environmental impact from Million Air's expansion. Please attend and speak at the public hearing. We will not condone giving bad neighbors $1 million of taxpayer money to expand their ability to run roughshod over residents. We demand an in-depth environmental impact study that includes the secondary impacts of increased air traffic.

Talking Points for the Operations Public Hearing

Westchester County’s next public hearing on June 25 at 7pm covers airport operations. As with the past two hearings, we encourage concerned citizens to attend and discuss the impact the airport has had on their lives. The situation at Westchester County Airport today is already unacceptable. The airport’s continuing growth has led to decreases in property values, dramatic increases in noise complaints, and a public outcry that swept Rob Astorino and others from elected office.

Talking Points on Governance

Westchester County Airport is an important piece of infrastructure, but it is also a major source of pollution. The airport needs to remain fully accountable to the public in order to maintain balance between the services the airport provides and the pollution it causes. Obviously, this precludes handing over governance of the airport to a private entity. However, any change that turns the airport into a profit center, whether for the county or for a private party, will almost certainly lead to expansion and a weakening of governance and accountability.

Talking Points for the Master Plan Public Hearing

Westchester County Airport is unique. It is located next to the water supply for over nine million people in Westchester and NYC. It is also located in a residential area whose citizens expect and deserve the quiet enjoyment of their homes. The airport's air, water, and noise pollution represent important public health issues. Thus, the master plan should explicitly reject any expansion of airport capacity.

SAVE THE DATE – Public hearings on airport policy

The Latimer administration has announced three public hearings on airport policy. Aviation interests are already gearing up to lobby for more development and more traffic. It is critically important that community members appear and speak at these hearings in order to stop or roll back the airport's assault on our quality of life. Please save... Continue Reading →