The Goal Is Clear; Stay the Course

The East Hampton Town Board should stay the course in seeking meaningful relief from the noise of flights headed to or leaving the town airport. Following a March 12 hearing on new, get-tough rules, one began to see signs of second-guessing among some observers. This reticence may have been amplified by the strong turnout at the hearing by the helicopter charter industry, which rightly sees East Hampton’s approach as a potentially risky precedent.

Unfortunately, instead of trying to reduce noise through technical means, investing in better helicopters, or adopting flight paths at higher altitudes, the industry appears to favor putting its money on legal challenges. That stance reinforces the impression that helicopter operators care little about the East End of Long Island other than as a place where they can make a profit.

A legal battle is likely to quickly ensue if the town board approves the restrictions as proposed. This should not deter officials from doing what is right, both for residents and for those who live in noise-affected communities beyond town limits.

East Hampton Town’s legal advisers seem to believe the regulations have a good chance of being upheld by the Federal Aviation Administration and the courts. The board should be willing to stand up to the inevitable onslaught, keeping in mind that the taxpayers have shown strong support for their effort and that a quieter, more livable community is the ultimate goal.