Yesterday the BHA's Executive Director Lara Birnback joined City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias and others including Council Member Lincoln Restler at an oversight hearing related to multiple bills and resolutions that would ban nonessential helicopter traffic at city-run heliports. 

In the last year, 59,000 complaints were filed with 311 about helicopter noise — more than double the 26,000 filed in 2022. Beyond a needless quality of life imposition, numerous scientific reports show that exposure to excessive noise can lead to a range of health problems, including chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular issues. And just in time for Earth Day, it's important to note that the emissions of just one helicopter idling is equivalent to that of 40 cars.  All for the fun of joyriding tourists or the very few who can afford a faster was of getting to JFK or the Hamptons. 

A huge thanks to everyone who attended and testified at yesterday's press conference and hearing. It's not too late to submit written testimony - you have until end of the day on Thursday of this week. Details here. 

And thank you to the many, many elected officials at the local, state, and federal level who are supportive of a ban on nonessential helicopters in our city. 

Read about the issue and yesterday's hearing and watch NY1's coverage.

On Saturday, April 20th, New York City will be filled with opportunities to celebrate Earth Day. We've listed some of those closest to Brooklyn Heights, but check out the DOT's list of Car-Free Earth Day programs as well as Brooklyn Bridge Parents for more ways to participate.

Car-free fun on Hoyt Street between State and Atlantic from 12pm-3pm.  The Atlantic Avenue BID is kicking off the Open Streets season with some great climate-friendly projects. Get a free plant, decorate a scarf using natural dyes, listen to live music and drop off your e-waste.  

The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership has organized fashion upcycling projects, bike riding lessons, compost sessions and more.  Bring your bike or roller skates and enjoy activities and music at Albee Square 11am-3:30pm.  

Celebrate at the first ever Wind Energy party at City Point from 11am-1pm.  Kids can  build wind turbines and other sculptures from recycled materials and decorate (and eat) wind turbine cookies PLUS learn about offshore wind energy coming to Brooklyn.

Gov­er­nors Island’s 3rd annu­al Earth Day event (10am - 3pm) will cel­e­brate the pow­er of native plants through free edu­ca­tion­al activ­i­ties and work­shops for all ages, guid­ed tours through the Island’s open space, a par­tic­i­pa­to­ry mur­al inspired by the rela­tion­ship between milk­weed and Monarch but­ter­flies and more.

Mulchfest at Cadman Park (Sunday, April 21st 10am - 12pm).  Meet at Juneteenth Grove and help spread some mulch at this family-friendly event! Supplies and gardening gloves will be provided. Sponsored by the Cadman Park Conservancy.

Free Citi Bike Rides for Earth Day!

Citi Bike will offer free unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike, Saturday only!  All riders may take advantage of the offer by using the promo code CARFREE24 on the "Daypass" tab of the Citi Bike app.

Taking Care of our Planet Isn't a Once/Year Activity. 

Trees are our lifeline to cleaner air.  NYC Parks has listed five steps to fight climate change which include ways to take care of our trees.  Here are some more ideas:

Donate to the District 33 Tree Fund - Donations to the District 33 Street Tree Fund will help facilitate lower cost and expedited planting of trees across District 33. 

Sign up for our May 4th Spring Into Service Tree Care Event.

Take a Citizen Pruner Tree Care Course - The 5-session course in Brooklyn Heights begins May 14th.  

Now is your chance! The Brooklyn Women's Exchange is looking for a part-time shop manager for their Montague store.  This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with a group of dedicated individuals and support local artisans.  Resumes and cover letters can be emailed to bklynwe@gmail.com.