Noise and air pollution from helicopters has long been a troubling issue for Brooklyn Heights, but the problem is getting worse. The problem now impacts thousands of New Yorkers across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, and not just those living along the waterfront. Stop the Chop NY/NJ, is a 501c3 all-volunteer nonprofit organization with a mission to ban all nonessential helicopters from flying over the NY metropolitan area. They (and the BHA) support the passage of Congressional bill H.R. 1643 “The Improving Helicopter Safety Act of 2021” introduced by NY Congressmembers Maloney, Nadler & Velazquez along with other relevant federal bills. On May 15th, these same representatives introduced "The Helicopter Management & Safety Plan" that, if passed into law, would "substantially reduce" nonessential helicopter traffic over the NYC metro area. You can find the details of the legislation in the press release here. We encourage you to learn more about Stop the Chop NY/NJ and to support its efforts by volunteering, donating, signing petitions, calling 311, and letting your elected representatives know you want the helicopter scourge to end! Finally, we hope you'll take a moment to fill out City Councilmember (and former Manhattan Boro President) Gale Brewer's helicopter survey. Below is an excerpt from Council Member Gale Brewer's recent newsletter regarding the helicopter problem. You do not have to be an UWS constituent or Manhattanite to fill in this survey. "My office is collecting stories and feedback from people impacted by helicopter noise so we have a base to engage with and stories to point to. How are you being impacted by helicopter noise? What are you experiencing? Please let us know on this google form." |